CLEVELAND — It wasn't the outcome anyone was hoping for the Cleveland Guardians when waking up on Tuesday morning. But was it a better outcome than a vast majority had predicted for them in April.
I know. That statement doesn't help ease the pain in the moment, but give it time Guards fans.
It almost felt poetic the way this series played out. Nobody gave the young Guardians a chance. Multiple rain outs caused two postponements. On the brink of going down in the series 2-1, a miraculous comeback completed by a rookie. Up until game 5, this series played out much like the entire season had.
It's a conflicting mental space to be in after a season like this comes to a close. Are you appreciative of how ahead of schedule the Guardians are? Are you angry the team failed to finish the job while up in the series 2 games to 1 with all of the momentum?
I don't think there's a wrong answer. That range was seen in full force on social media after the final out of the 2022 Cleveland Guardians' season was recorded.
Here are the many mixed reactions:
3News Staff
Plenty of Guardians fans have chimed in to show their appreciation for the journey to game 5 of the ALDS.
Fan Gratitude
Questioning Tito
You Reap What You Sow
Plenty of questions remain as we shift our focus to the offseason. The potential greatness that lies ahead for this ball club is clear. But it will feel different when they take the diamond in 2023. This time, there will be an expectation to finish the job. And not a lot of patience left for fans who have spent a lifetime watching other teams celebrate at Cleveland's expense after long playoff series.
That being said, thank you Cleveland Guardians for an unexpected, memorable ride.
Check out the past game 5 reaction from our friends over at the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show: