The Cleveland Guardians are headed to the American League Championship Series!

With a Game 5 victory Saturday night, the Guardians completed a stunning division series comeback over the Chicago White Sox. Despite losing the first two games of the ALDS, the Guardians will head to St. Petersburg, Florida, to face the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the ALCS on Monday night.

Here’s how Cleveland’s victory went down.

Key links: Bracket | Schedule

Takeaways

Cleveland wins series 3-2

It was over when … Jose Ramirez started playing like Jose Ramirez again. After a rough season marred by injuries, the seven-time All-Star turned it on with the Guardians’ season on the line. After helping bring the series back to Cleveland, he got the big hit in Game 5 — a two-run home run in the fourth inning that proved to be the only runs in the game. It was also the lowest pitch hit for a postseason home run in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008). — Matt Marrone

Stat that defined the game: 21. As in 21 strikeouts by the Guardians’ pitching staff in a Game 5 masterpiece on the mound. It’s the most in a winner-take-all game in MLB postseason history, according to ESPN Research, topping Detroit’s 20 a postseason ago. Not only that, but it’s an MLB record for any nine-inning game — regular season or playoffs. Gavin Williams recorded 12 of those K’s in a dominant outing, and the bullpen didn’t miss a beat in keeping the White Sox off the board all night. — Dan Mullen

Highlights from the Guardians’ win

21 K’s and the comeback is complete

The Guardians erase an 0-2 series deficit and advance to the ALCS! #CLINCHED

(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) https://t.co/g0zCsmeMPB

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

A dozen gold stars for Gavin

All 12 of Gavin Williams’ Game 5 strikeouts 😤 https://t.co/m338iiKfbc

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

White Sox get their first hit in the sixth and chase Williams … but Murakami whiffs with the bases loaded

JAM ESCAPED

Erik Sabrowski strikes out Munetaka Murakami to strand the bases loaded! https://t.co/3Qots2hK9f

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

Gavin Williams exits to a standing ovation 👏 https://t.co/CwsMMd4al9

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

Speaking of on fire: Gavin Williams

Gavin Williams through 5 innings:

11 strikeouts
0 hits https://t.co/GjB0fFNFfP

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

Jose Ramirez is on fire. 2-0 Guardians

JOSÉ RAMÍREZ!

GUARDIANS TAKE THE FIRST LEAD OF GAME 5! https://t.co/Z0zoqm513R

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

From @ESPNInsights: The Jose Ramirez home run was 0.89 feet above the ground as it crossed home plate. It’s the lowest pitch he’s hit for a home run in his MLB career.
It’s also the lowest pitch anyone has hit for a postseason home run in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008).

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 11, 2026

José Ramírez got a home run pitch 👀 https://t.co/jMTKfm5Td6

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

Pitching … and defense (and no hits for either team through three innings)

Munetaka Murakami makes it look easy! https://t.co/Fe5bGjvxbj

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

9 up, 9 down for Sean Burke! https://t.co/wgDpuDrULa

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

Cleveland getting what it wanted from Williams so far

Williams with 4 k’s so far. He’s throwing heat, avg. over 99 mph on his fastball which is up a couple clicks from his reg season avg. Also, had a 7 pitch first — his fewest pitches in a 1st inning since July 1, 2025.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 11, 2026

Williams looks sharp in opening frame (Update: Burke does too)

Gavin Williams dials it up to 100 MPH in a scoreless 1st inning 🔥 https://t.co/MwtH7cdODc

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026

Slingin’ in the rain 😮‍💨 https://t.co/UoqdFX7g2F

— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2026