The Cleveland Guardians completed a comeback from a 2-0 series deficit, beating the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 of the American League Division Series behind Gavin Williams' 12 strikeouts and a José Ramírez home run.
Key facts
- Gavin Williams struck out 12 in Cleveland's 2-0 Game 5 win on Saturday night.
- José Ramírez's two-run homer provided the only scoring.
- The Guardians rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win the best-of-five series.
- Cleveland open the ALCS at Tampa Bay on Monday night.
- The franchise has not won the World Series since 1948, the longest drought in MLB.
Gavin Williams struck out 12 batters as the Cleveland Guardians shut out the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Saturday night to win the decisive Game 5 of their American League Division Series. The result completed a comeback from a 2-0 series deficit in the best-of-five matchup.
José Ramírez provided the only scoring of the game with a two-run home run, hitting a pitch described as just above home plate. The combination of Ramírez’s power and Williams’ dominant pitching was enough to see Cleveland through.
With the win, the Guardians advance to the American League Championship Series, where they will open at Tampa Bay on Monday night against the Rays. The series carries a place in the World Series on the line.
Cleveland are seeking their first World Series appearance since 2016. A trip to the Fall Classic would give the franchise a chance to end a long title drought.
The Guardians/Indians franchise have not won the championship since 1948, which the Guardian notes is the longest drought among MLB teams. That history adds weight to the team’s deep run this postseason.
Why it matters
The Guardians' comeback keeps alive the hopes of a franchise that has not won a World Series since 1948, the longest drought in Major League Baseball. Their place in the ALCS sets up a series against Tampa Bay with a World Series berth at stake.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of Game 5?
The Cleveland Guardians beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Who do the Guardians play next?
Cleveland open the American League Championship Series at Tampa Bay against the Rays on Monday night.
When did the franchise last win the World Series?
The Guardians/Indians franchise has not won the title since 1948, the longest drought among MLB teams.