CLEVELAND – For an entire season, Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase provided something even the best relievers can rarely claim: virtual certainty.

But after two consecutive nights of contention in the highest-stakes games of the year, that certainty has been shaken.

On Friday, Clase gave up a pair of go-ahead runs to the Yankees in the ninth inning, absorbing the loss in New York’s 8-6 victory in Game 4, a loss that pushed the Guardians to the brink of elimination from the American League. Championship series.

This followed a stunning Game 3, won by Cleveland in a wild finish set up by a rare Clase save. In it, he gave up back-to-back home runs to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, losing the lead – two home runs in consecutive at-bats against a pitcher who gave up just two home runs all season, posting a 0.61 ERA and converting. 47 out of 50 rescue options.

“I just didn’t execute,” Clase said after Friday’s loss. “I failed against the hitters and I didn’t get the results.”

Sudden uncertainty surrounds the game’s most important conclusion, though the Guardians’ support for their sidekick hero remains steadfast. Cleveland’s deep and dominant bullpen has been the team’s biggest asset all season, but with Clase’s October ERA now at 10.29 and other leaks emerging through the bullpen, the group now has a 3.83 ERA, five losses and the big save on Thursday on her play-off file.

“We play a game based on failure,” Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor said. “They’ve done a fantastic job for us. We believe in them and are excited every time they take the mound.”

Clase’s struggles in Game 4 took a different form than the home runs he allowed on Thursday. This time, New York took advantage of three hits, a stolen base and an error to score the go-ahead runs in the ninth. Unlike Game 3, when Clase’s teammates rallied for a memorable victory, this time the Guardians’ late attack fell short.

When asked if he had ever experienced such struggles, Clase replied, “Not that I can remember.” He added that he appreciates the support and resilience of his teammates.

“I have confidence in them,” he said. “I thanked them for the work they did.”

Clase’s quick departure after Game 3 raised some eyebrows, but he was at his locker, ready to answer questions as soon as Cleveland’s clubhouse opened Friday. The focus now shifts to Saturday and a Game 5 that the Guardians must win to keep their season alive.

“I’m not losing my confidence,” Clase said. “I’m going to do my best. It’s something I’m amazed at, what’s happening.”