Guardians Rally to Force Game 5
The Cleveland Guardians erupted for six runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Chicago White Sox 9-5 on Thursday, forcing a decisive Game 5 in their American League Division Series. Jose Ramirez hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning and added a run-scoring single in the sixth to help Cleveland win its second consecutive game in Chicago after losing the first two games at home. The Guardians denied the White Sox a chance to clinch the series at home for the first time since 1906 and will host Game 5 on Saturday.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7]
Ramirez, who followed pinch-hitter Patrick Bailey's solo homer in the fifth by hitting a 99.9 mph fastball from White Sox reliever Jordan Hicks into the bullpen for a two-run shot that put the Guardians ahead 3-2, expressed confidence about the upcoming game. He said it would be crazy and incredible energy, and that the team's mindset would remain the same: try to win and enjoy the environment. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised Ramirez, saying it was Jose Ramirez being Jose Ramirez in the playoffs, and noted that Hicks threw a great fastball but Ramirez got to it, calling it a big moment for him and the team.[S1]
The White Sox briefly regained the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth, but Cleveland responded emphatically in the sixth, sending 10 batters to the plate. Angel Martinez was hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored on Travis Bazzana's double. Bailey, Ramirez, Chase De Lauter, and Jo Adell each added run-scoring hits. The White Sox, who had scored their first four runs on a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and two sacrifice flies, got a solo home run from Miguel Vargas in the ninth off reliever Cade Smith, but the rally fell short.[S1]
Cleveland used eight pitchers, with ace starter Gavin Williams entering in the ninth to record the final three outs after allowing a single to Sam Antonacci. Chicago used seven pitchers, with starter Hagen Smith exiting in the first inning after walking the bases loaded. Reliever Grant Taylor, who had pitched 5 1/2 scoreless innings in the first two games, gave up four runs on four hits without recording an out in the sixth. The winner of the series will face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series, with a World Series berth on the line. The Rays swept the New York Yankees in three games on Wednesday.[S1]
