Brief

José Ramírez powers Guardians past White Sox with decisive home run in Game 5

Ramírez’s late‑season surge helped the Guardians win Game 5 of the AL Division Series and advance to the ALCS.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:50:25 GMT

José Ramírez delivered a pivotal two‑run home run in the fourth inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series, giving the Cleveland Guardians a 2‑0 victory over the Chicago White Sox and securing the series on Oct 10, 2026, according to the Associated Press.

Ramírez, who posted a .235 batting average during the regular season—the second‑lowest of his 14‑year career—had missed 30 games in June and July after surgery on a broken hamate bone in his left hand. He returned later in the season but continued to experience inflammation, limiting his playing time.

Despite a slow start in the postseason, going 0‑for‑6 with three strikeouts in the first two games, Ramírez turned the tide in the final three games. He went 5‑for‑12 with two homers and seven RBIs, including two‑run shots in the last two contests. In Game 5, his home run came on a pitch just above the strike zone, a delivery he described as a “good curveball” that he was able to “get my legs and get a good contact” on, speaking through an interpreter.

Manager Stephen Vogt praised Ramírez’s resilience, saying, “He’s one swing away from getting it going and I think every ball he put in play was hard the last three games… You don’t ever count him out. He’s going to show up when we need him.”

The Guardians’ pitching staff struck out 21 batters, the most in a nine‑inning postseason game, while the White Sox failed to record a hit off Ramírez’s defense. The victory sends Cleveland to the American League Championship Series, where they will face the Tampa Bay Rays.

Key facts

José Ramírez hit a two‑run homer in the fourth inning of Game 5 to give Cleveland a 2‑0 win. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Ramírez finished the regular season with a .235 batting average and missed 30 games due to hamate bone surgery. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Cleveland’s pitchers recorded 21 strikeouts, a postseason record for a nine‑inning game. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Guardians advance to the ALCS to meet the Tampa Bay Rays. (winnipegfreepress.com)