Guardians take down White Sox to advance to ALCS

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Guardians take down White Sox to advance to ALCS

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Richard Pereira, ClutchPoints | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 11:58 PM ET

The ALCS series has its two teams after the ALDS matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox came to an end after Game 5 on Saturday night.

Both teams traded blows throughout the course of the best-of-five series. Chicago stunned Cleveland by beating them 3-0 in Game 1 and 4-3 in Game 2 on the road. Cleveland fired back the same way, beating Chicago 9-3 in Game 3 and 9-5 in Game 4 on their own field.

The series went down to the deciding game, with win or go home stakes in the picture. Only one team was going to get out of the round and last for at least one more series, while the other returns home with their season over.

After being on the brink of a series sweep, Cleveland defied the odds. They pulled off the series comeback to take down the White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 and advance to the ALCS.

THE GUARDIANS HAVE OFFICIALLY BOOKED THEIR SPOT IN THE ALCS

They will take on the Rays for a chance to advance to the World Series! pic.twitter.com/GrxVePXypK

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 11, 2026

How Guardians played against White Sox

It was a competitive series as there was a point where the White Sox could’ve taken it. However, the Guardians refused to back down as they pulled off the series rally to win the last three games of the ALDS.

Both teams started out scoreless in the first three innings as neither refused to give any chances. However, Cleveland broke the deadlock in the fourth frame as Jose Ramirez fired what ended up being the game-winning home run that scored the lone pair of runs of the night.

Cleveland’s bullpen was brilliant as it shut down Chicago’s offense, only conceding three hits for the entire contest. Gavin Williams started on the mound as he lasted 5.2 innings, striking out 12 batters while allowing just one hit.

The Guardians will look forward to their next opponent in the ALCS. They take on the Tampa Bay Rays as Game 1 starts on Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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