The Cleveland Guardians beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Saturday at Progressive Field, clinching the series 3-2 behind a two-run home run from Jose Ramirez and a dominant start from Gavin Williams. Ramirez went 1 for 3 with the homer and two RBI, while Williams struck out 12 over 5.2 scoreless innings to send Cleveland to the next round.
Chicago starter Sean Burke kept the game within reach for five innings, allowing two runs on four hits, but the White Sox bullpen could not make up the deficit. Chicago managed just three hits total and struck out 21 times as a team. Tristan Peters went 1 for 3 with a walk for the White Sox, who finish the season 84-78.
How The Guardians Won It
The only runs of the game came in the fourth inning when Ramirez drove a pitch 348 feet to right field, scoring Steven Kwan ahead of him for a 2-0 lead. The Guardians never needed more. Cleveland’s pitching staff allowed just three hits all game and struck out 21 Chicago batters, holding the White Sox scoreless for the ninth time this postseason matchup…