Brief
White Sox face elimination after back‑to‑back losses to Guardians in ALDS
The White Sox must win Saturday's Game 5 in Cleveland to avoid a series loss after a 9‑5 loss and a 9‑3 defeat.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Chicago White Sox head into a winner‑take‑all Game 5 on Saturday in Cleveland after losing the previous two games of the American League Division Series, the Associated Press reported.
What happened
In Game 4 on Thursday night, the White Sox fell 9‑5. Reliever Erick Fedde started, allowing a leadoff homer by Patrick Bailey and a single by Steven Kwan before being pulled. Jordan Hicks entered and surrendered a two‑run homer to José Ramírez, giving Cleveland a 3‑2 lead. Subsequent relievers Anthony Kay and Grant Taylor added runs, with Taylor allowing four runs and four hits without recording an out.
Game 5 will be played Saturday night at Progressive Field, with the winner moving on to face Tampa Bay in the American League Championship Series.
What the reports add
The AP story notes that the White Sox bullpen has been over‑taxed, striking out 31 batters over the last two games. It also highlights that the team’s only chance to clinch a postseason series at home since the 1906 World Series was lost, as the series now shifts to Cleveland.
What was said
All‑Star outfielder Tristan Peters said, “Of course it’s a little disappointing, but if we keep thinking that way we’re going to take that into Saturday, and then it’s not going to end well. I’m just telling myself, and I think everybody else is, too, that we’re not done. This isn’t done.” The quote is attributed to the Associated Press.
How it came about
Chicago earned an AL wild‑card berth with an 84‑78 record, becoming the first team to reach the playoffs after posting 100‑plus losses in each of the two prior seasons. After sweeping the AL West champion Houston in the Wild Card Series, the White Sox won the first two ALDS games in Cleveland, marking the franchise’s first 4‑0 postseason start, all on the road. Manager Will Venable’s bullpen strategy, essential early in the series, now appears to be straining the staff.
Key facts
- The White Sox lost Game 4 9-5 after a leadoff homer by Patrick Bailey and a two-run homer by José Ramírez. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Chicago’s bullpen struck out 31 batters over the last two ALDS games. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Game 5 will be played Saturday night in Cleveland, with the winner advancing to the ALCS against Tampa Bay. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Tristan Peters said the team is not done and must stay focused for Saturday. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “White Sox look to bounce back after 2 straight losses to Guardians at home in ALDS”
