Guardians Storm Back to Force Winner-Take-All Game 5 After 9-5 Victory Over White Sox

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CHICAGO — The Cleveland Guardians were left for dead after dropping the first two games of the American League Division Series at home. Two days later, the AL Central champions have turned the entire series on its head.

Riding a second consecutive offensive explosion at Rate Field, Cleveland defeated the Chicago White Sox 9-5 on Thursday night to sweep both road games, tie the series 2-2, and force a decisive Game 5 back at Progressive Field.

With the 9-5 victory, Cleveland became just the fifth team in Major League Baseball history to score nine or more runs in back-to-back elimination games, joining the 1960 Yankees, 1999 Red Sox, 2007 Red Sox, and 2023 Rangers.

Here is a detailed breakdown of how the Guardians completed their road rally and what lies ahead in the winner-take-all finale.

The Six-Run Offense Busted Game 4 Open

After putting up nine runs in Game 3, Cleveland’s bats remained white-hot in Game 4. The decisive blow came during a relentless six-run inning against the Chicago bullpen. White Sox reliever Grant Taylor faced six Guardians hitters in the frame, and all six reached base safely before Chicago could record an out.

José Ramírez led the charge for Cleveland, finishing 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored to anchor the middle of the lineup. Catcher Patrick Bailey delivered a major boost from the bottom of the order, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Outfielder Jo Adell provided additional cushion with a two-run single, while Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter each picked up an RBI hit to keep the line moving.

Cleveland piled up 10 hits and drew seven walks on the evening, punishing Chicago’s pitching staff for every misstep.

White Sox Fight Back, But Bullpen Falters

Chicago did not go down quietly in front of their home fans. Designated hitter Miguel Vargas paced the White Sox offense, launching a solo home run and drawing three walks to reach base four times on the night. Utility player Sam Antonacci also etched his name into the record books, becoming the first player in MLB postseason history to record multiple bases-loaded hit-by-pitches in a single postseason.

However, Chicago’s pitching management proved costly. White Sox starter Hagen Smith struggled with control early, walking three batters and lasting just 0.2 innings before being removed. Erick Fedde provided 3.2 innings of relief work, but when manager Will Venable turned to his bridge relievers, the Guardians seized total control.

On the mound for Cleveland, rookie starter Parker Messick struck out five over 2.1 innings while allowing two earned runs. The Guardians’ bullpen held the line from there: Shawn Armstrong pitched 1.2 scoreless innings, Hunter Gaddis added 1.3 scoreless frames, and Gavin Williams closed out the ninth to seal the victory.

Game 5 IS necessary.

#GuardsBall | #GuardiWWins https://t.co/HfUM6N6QUN

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 9, 2026

Can Cleveland Complete the 0-2 Comeback?

Historically, teams that take a 2-0 lead in a best-of-five Division Series win the matchup over 85% of the time. But the Guardians have completely erased Chicago’s home-field advantage and brought all the momentum back to Believeland.

Game 5 is set for Saturday night at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The White Sox are seeking their first ALCS appearance since their 2005 World Series championship run. Meanwhile, the Guardians—who last reached the ALCS in 2024—are aiming to complete a historic division series comeback and keep their quest alive to end the longest active World Series drought in baseball (1948).

The winner will advance to the American League Championship Series to face the Tampa Bay Rays.