# Guardians advance to ALCS after defeating White Sox > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-white-sox-american-league-postseason-campaign > Updated: 2026-10-12T14:26:47.000Z. Sources: 138. Developments: 5. The Cleveland Guardians have completed a historic comeback in the American League Division Series (ALDS), defeating the Chicago White Sox in a winner-take-all Game 5 to advance to the American League Championship Series (ALCS). After falling behind 0-2 in the series, Cleveland won three consecutive games to secure the series victory 3-2. In the decisive Game 5 at Progressive Field, the Guardians won 2-0, fueled by a fourth-inning two-run home run from José Ramírez off Sean Burke and a dominant pitching performance by Gavin Williams. Williams recorded 12 strikeouts over 5.2 innings of scoreless work, tying a franchise postseason record. This victory makes the Guardians only the fourth team in Major League Baseball history to overcome a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five postseason series by winning three straight games. The White Sox, who held an initial 2-0 series lead, saw their postseason run end after struggling offensively in the final game, where they struck out 21 times. Following their elimination, the White Sox concluded their 2026 season, a campaign that saw the team transition from three consecutive seasons of over 100 losses to a Wild Card spot secured by sweeping the Houston Astros. Analysis of the exit suggests a critical need for consistent starting pitching, as the lack of quality starters outside of Sean Burke placed excessive strain on the bullpen during the postseason. The Guardians will now face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS, beginning Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Cleveland is seeking its first World Series title since 1948. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Chicago White Sox conclude 2026 season following ALDS exit After years of heavy losses, the Chicago White Sox reached the 2026 ALDS, where they were eliminated by the Cleveland Guardians. The team now looks to bolster its starting rotation for 2027. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-white-sox-conclude-2026-season-following-alds-exit ### 2026-10-09: Cleveland Guardians advance to ALCS after historic comeback The Cleveland Guardians advanced to the ALCS after a historic comeback against the Chicago White Sox, secured by a José Ramírez home run in a decisive Game 5 victory. 103 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cleveland-guardians-force-game-5-against-white-sox ### 2026-10-07: Cleveland Guardians defeat Chicago White Sox 9-3 to stay alive in ALDS The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox 9-3 in Game 3 of the ALDS, avoiding a sweep and tying the series 2-1 behind standout performances from Jo Adell and José Ramírez. 46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cleveland-guardians-face-elimination-in-alds-amid-offensive-slump ### 2026-10-05: Chicago White Sox lead Cleveland Guardians 2-0 in ALDS The Chicago White Sox lead the Cleveland Guardians 2-0 in the ALDS following a 4-3 comeback victory, moving one win away from the American League Championship Series. 47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-white-sox-to-use-bullpen-strategy-in-alds ### 2026-10-02: Chicago White Sox begin AL playoffs amid announcer uncertainty The Chicago White Sox face the Cleveland Guardians in the American League playoffs as uncertainty grows regarding the future of team TV announcer John Schriffen. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-white-sox-begin-al-playoffs-amid-announcer-uncertainty --- Cite as: Guardians advance to ALCS after defeating White Sox. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-white-sox-american-league-postseason-campaign