Gavin Williams, José Ramírez Power Guardians to ALCS

An improbable homer from the Cleveland superstar decides a Game 5 pitcher’s duel.…

By Davy Andrews · Fan Graphs

Published: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 4:20 AM

Key Things to Know

The Cleveland Guardians beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 to advance to the ALCS.
Starter Gavin Williams led Cleveland in the decisive rubber match shutout victory.
Cleveland overcame a 2-0 series deficit by winning three consecutive games.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 of the ALDS behind a dominant pitching performance from starter Gavin Williams. After falling behind 2-0 in the series, Cleveland won three straight games to eliminate Chicago and advance to their second ALCS appearance in three years.

Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt adjusted his lineup for the decisive rubber match, starting catcher Patrick Bailey over Austin Hedges and Petey Halpin over Angel Martínez. Despite early rain, the pitching-dominated contest secured Cleveland's trip to St. Petersburg to face the Tampa Bay Rays.

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Gavin Williams, José Ramírez Power Guardians to ALCS

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