Guardians Rally From 0-2, Set ALDS Record With 21 Strikeouts
WHO:
Fox News - Cleveland Guardians, Chicago White Sox, Gavin Williams, José Ramírez, Erik Sabrowski, Evan Gaddis, Cade Smith
NY Post - Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays
WHAT:
Fox News - Guardians pitchers struck out a postseason record 21 White Sox batters in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Fox News - The Guardians won Game 5, 2-0, completing a comeback from a 0-2 deficit in the series.
Fox News - Gavin Williams struck out 12 of the 21 batters he faced in 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks.
Fox News - José Ramírez hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning, which was the lowest pitch for a postseason home run since at least 2008 at 8.88 inches off the ground.
Fox News - The Guardians' bullpen struck out nine batters in the final 10 outs of the game.
NY Post - Cleveland will open the AL Championship Series against Tampa Bay.
WHERE:
Fox News - The game took place at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
NY Post - The AL Championship Series will be held in Tampa Bay.
WHEN:
Fox News - The AL Championship Series begins on Monday.
WHY:
Fox News - The Guardians were able to win after losing the first two games of the series, marking a significant comeback.
HOW:
Fox News - The Guardians utilized a combination of strong starting pitching from Gavin Williams and effective bullpen performance to secure the victory.
(UPDATED October 11, 2026 04:06 UTC)
In a thrilling Game 5 of the American League Division Series, the Cleveland Guardians struck out a postseason record 21 Chicago White Sox batters and won the game 2-0, completing a remarkable comeback from an 0-2 deficit in the series. Gavin Williams was a standout, striking out 12 of the 21 batters he faced in 5.2 scoreless innings, while José Ramírez hit a historic two-run home run in the fourth inning, marking the lowest pitch for a postseason home run since at least 2008. Looking ahead, the Guardians will open the AL Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.