Jose Ramirez hit a home run and had three RBIs, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 9-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox in the AL Division Series, forcing a decisive Game 5. Pinch-hitter Patrick Bailey also homered as the Guardians secured their second consecutive win after dropping the first two games at home. Jo Adell’s two-run single highlighted a six-run sixth inning for the AL Central champions.
Cleveland aims to make history by becoming the first MLB team to overcome a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five playoff series since the 2017 New York Yankees did the same against Cleveland. Teams holding a 2-0 lead in a best-of-five postseason series have won 83 out of 93 times. The series will return to Cleveland for Game 5 on Saturday.
Chicago’s usually reliable bullpen showed signs of fatigue as Grant Taylor struggled, conceding four runs and four hits without recording an out during Cleveland’s game-changing sixth-inning rally. Miguel Vargas homered for the White Sox, but their attempts to clinch the series at home for the first time since 1906 were thwarted. Sam Antonacci contributed with two RBIs.
Ramirez’s clutch performance included a key home run, marking his first postseason homer since 2024 and fifth overall. The seven-time All-Star, who had surgery earlier in the year, also shined in Game 3 with two hits and two RBIs. Adell continued his strong series with a run-scoring hit, adding to his impressive offensive contributions.
The White Sox briefly rallied with two runs in response, but Cleveland’s offense proved too potent. The Guardians capitalized on walks and timely hits to pull away, securing a crucial victory. Chicago’s pitching changes could not contain Cleveland’s bats, setting the stage for a thrilling Game 5 showdown.
