Cleveland keeps its playoff hopes alive behind stellar performances from Jo Adell and Jose Ramirez at Rate Field.
The Cleveland Guardians kept their postseason run alive on Wednesday by defeating the Chicago White Sox with a decisive 9-3 score in Game 3 of the American League Division Series. Playing at Rate Field in Chicago, the Guardians successfully avoided elimination after dropping the first two games of the series at home.
Entering the matchup as 1.5-point favorites per FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 6 seeded Chicago team crumbled under late pressure. The No. 2 seeded Cleveland squad relied on standout offensive displays to force a crucial Game 4 in the ongoing MLB postseason bracket, according to information published by BASKETBALL.
Despite an early lead for the hosts following a first-inning run, the momentum shifted dramatically in the middle frames. The Guardians capitalized on key defensive lapses and clutch hitting to secure the 9-3 victory and extend their season by at least one more day.
Early Momentum and Third Inning Turning Point
The Chicago White Sox opened the game strong, forcing the Guardians down in order in the top of the first. Kyle Teel drove in an early run in the bottom half to give Chicago the initial advantage before the visitors mounted their comeback.
The game turned around in the third inning when Steven Kwan brought in Travis Bazzana to tie the game 1-1. Following a pitching change, Jo Adell hit a deep triple to right field, driving in three RBIs to give Cleveland a commanding 4-1 lead.
Clutch Offense and Defensive Escapes
Chicago attempted to chip away when Tristan Peters hit a double to score Chase Meidroth in the fourth inning. However, Chase DeLauter answered for the Guardians in the next frame by driving in Jose Ramirez after an impressive slide into home plate.
Cleveland turned defense into offense in the bottom of the fifth by executing a crucial double play with two runners in scoring position. Although a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases and allowed Sam Antonacci to score, pitcher Miguel Vargas grounded out to Ramirez to end the threat.
Late Innings Insurance and Game 4 Outlook
The Guardians cemented their victory late in the game, adding two runs in the eighth inning thanks to a Jose Ramirez triple that drove in Travis Bazzana and Patrick Bailey to stretch the lead to 7-3.
Cleveland added two more insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning as Angel Genao and Brayan Rocchio contributed RBIs. The White Sox went down in order in the bottom of the ninth, setting up a decisive Game 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of Game 3 between the Guardians and White Sox?
The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox 9-3 in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.
Who drove in the key runs for the Cleveland Guardians?
Jo Adell and Jose Ramirez led the charge, combining for five RBIs to help extend Cleveland's postseason run.
When is Game 4 of the ALDS scheduled to take place?
Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. ET at Rate Field in Chicago, where the White Sox will get another chance to clinch the series.
