The Cleveland Guardians forced a decisive fifth game in their American League Division Series by defeating the Chicago White Sox 9–5 on Thursday, leveling the series at 2–2, SPORT1 reported. With the victory, Cleveland stands just one win away from completing a comeback that would be the best for an MLB team in nine years.
Guardians Level the Division Series at Chicago
Thursday’s 9–5 win in Chicago shifted the momentum of the best-of-five matchup. After dropping the opening two games of the series, Cleveland rallied to secure victories, forcing the series back to Cleveland for a winner-take-all finale.
Only ten teams in MLB history have successfully overturned a 0–2 deficit in a best-of-five series. The last club to accomplish the feat was the New York Yankees, who erased a 2–0 hole against Cleveland in 2017.
Decisive Game Five Shifts to Cleveland
The series concludes on Saturday in Cleveland, where the winner will advance to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series. The Rays secured their spot in the next round by sweeping the New York Yankees 3–0.
“It will be a crazy energy,” José Ramírez said regarding the upcoming elimination game.
American League Championship Series Stakes Await the Winner
The victor of Saturday’s deciding game will immediately advance to meet the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays earned their spot following their three-game sweep of the Yankees, while the Guardians and White Sox must expend their pitching depth in a high-stakes fifth game.
Saturday’s winner-take-all contest in Cleveland marks the final barrier before the pennant series gets underway.
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