White Sox can’t solve Gavin Williams, Jose Ramirez in epic ALDS collapse

The Chicago White Sox were eliminated from the postseason after losing Game 5 of the ALDS to the Cleveland Guardians, failing to advance despite leading the series 2-0. Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams dominated on the mound, striking out 12 Chicago hitters across five-plus scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Jose Ramirez hit a decisive two-run home run off White Sox starter Sean Burke to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead that held for the rest of the game.

Relievers Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith combined to secure the shutout victory for Cleveland. The defeat made Chicago the first team since 2017 to blow a 2-0 ALDS lead. Writer Noah Phalen notes that while the 2026 season was unexpectedly successful for Chicago, the squandered postseason opportunity remains a major disappointment heading into an uncertain offseason.