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CLEVELAND (AP) — Gavin Williams recorded 12 of a postseason-record 21 strikeouts by Cleveland pitchers, and José Ramírez launched a home run on a pitch just above the strike zone, propelling the Guardians to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night. With the win, Cleveland erased an 0-2 series deficit to capture the best-of-five AL Division Series.
The Guardians will now head to Tampa Bay to open the AL Championship Series on Monday night, aiming for their first World Series appearance since 2016. The franchise, formerly known as the Indians, has not claimed a World Series title since 1948 — the longest championship drought in Major League Baseball.
Cleveland's pitching staff set a new record for strikeouts in a nine-inning postseason game, fanning 21 White Sox batters. Chicago managed only three hits and put just nine balls in play, while striking out 75 times over the course of the series.
Key Analysis
The Guardians' historic strikeout performance underscores a dominant pitching effort that stifled the White Sox offense throughout the series. Williams' 12 strikeouts led the charge, while Ramírez provided the necessary offense with a timely home run. Cleveland's comeback from an 0-2 hole demonstrates resilience and sets up a challenging ALCS matchup against the Rays.
Originally reported by register_herald.