The Guardians produced a decisive six-run sixth inning on Thursday, 8 October 2026, to secure their second consecutive victory after losing the opening two games of the best-of-five series.
José Ramírez delivered a home run and three RBIs, while Patrick Bailey homered and added another important hit as Cleveland fought back from the brink of elimination.
Ramírez and Bailey inspire Cleveland comeback
Cleveland initially struggled to contain Chicago, who took a 2–0 lead in the third inning after Munetaka Murakami drew a bases-loaded walk and Sam Antonacci contributed a sacrifice fly.
The Guardians responded in the fifth inning when Bailey, coming off the bench as a pinch-hitter, launched a solo home run to reduce the deficit.
Ramírez followed with a two-run homer to give Cleveland a 3–2 advantage, but Chicago responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to regain the lead at 4–3.
The game remained finely balanced until Cleveland exploded in the sixth.
Six-run sixth inning changes the game
Travis Bazzana started the decisive rally with an RBI double that brought Angel Martínez home to level the score at 4–4.
Bailey then drove in Bazzana with a single, putting Cleveland ahead before Ramírez, Chase DeLauter and Jo Adell added further runs.
Adell capped the six-run inning with a two-run single, extending the Guardians' advantage and putting them firmly in control at 9–4.
The White Sox struggled to respond as Cleveland's relievers combined to restrict the home side after the crucial rally.
White Sox fall short despite late pressure
Chicago attempted a late comeback when Miguel Vargas opened the ninth inning with a solo home run, reducing the deficit to four runs.
The White Sox continued to threaten, but Cleveland turned to Gavin Williams to close out the game. He recorded the final outs to secure the 9–5 victory.
Chicago left 12 runners stranded, missing another opportunity to close out the series in front of its home supporters.
The defeat was particularly frustrating for the White Sox, who had led the series 2–0 and needed only one more win to advance.
Game 5 set for Cleveland
The series now returns to Cleveland for the decisive Game 5 on Saturday, 10 October, at Progressive Field.
The winner will advance to the American League Championship Series to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
Cleveland are attempting to complete a comeback after trailing 2–0 in the series, having won Games 3 and 4 to restore parity.
With their season now resting on a single game, the Guardians will look to carry their offensive momentum into the deciding contest, while Chicago must regroup after letting two opportunities to clinch the series slip away.