**Postseason MLB: Yankees and Guardians Clash in ALCS Game 3, Followed by Mets vs. Dodgers**

As the MLB postseason charges ahead, the spotlight is set on a riveting pair of League Championship Series matchups. Starting on Thursday, Oct. 17, the New York Yankees face off against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of the ALCS, followed by an exciting Game 4 between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers later in the evening.

Thursday's showdown between the Yankees and Guardians kicks off at 5:08 p.m. ET. Yankees pitcher Schmidt, who struggled with injuries earlier this season but has shown promise with a 3.65 ERA in his recent starts, aims to carry his momentum into the postseason. In his previous outing against the Guardians on April 13, Schmidt allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings, striking out seven but walking five.

The Guardians will counter with Boyd, an unexpected gem picked up in late June who delivered a 2.72 ERA across eight starts. Boyd has been impeccable in the postseason, maintaining a spotless ERA over 6 2/3 innings and striking out 10. Despite some complaints about being pulled out of games early, Boyd's performance remains a key asset for Cleveland. On Aug. 20, the Yankees managed three runs against Boyd in 5 1/3 innings.

Offensively, both teams' three-hole hitters broke out of their playoff slumps in Game 2, each hitting crucial home runs. Guardians' Ramírez, who excels at home, boasts a solid track record against Schmidt, including a double and three RBIs over eight at-bats. Meanwhile, Yankees' Judge, who slugged .735 against lefties this season and homered off Boyd on Aug. 20, will be a critical offensive threat.

As the first game wraps up, the action continues with the Mets facing the Dodgers at 8:08 p.m. ET. Mets' ace Quintana has been dominant, ending the regular season with a 0.74 ERA over his last six starts and allowing only one unearned run in 11 postseason innings. When the Dodgers faced Quintana on May 28, they managed to score three runs over six innings.

On the other side, Dodgers' Yamamoto, overcoming a season interrupted by a shoulder injury, had a mixed finish to the regular season. Though he struggled in Game 1 of the NLDS, he rebounded to deliver five scoreless innings in Game 5. Earlier this season, the Mets scored four runs off him in six innings.

Betting odds slightly favor the Mets, who have demonstrated resilience all season. With Quintana's stellar form and Yamamoto's questionable longevity, experts lean towards the Mets bouncing back after their recent performances.

The stage is set for a thrilling day of baseball, with both matchups promising intense competition and possibly pivotal moments in this year's quest for the World Series.