Guardians force decisive ALDS Game 5 as White Sox miss chance to reach first ALCS since 2005

With three of the four spots in the league championship series already clinched, Thursday nights White Sox-Guardians matchup was the lone game on schedule. It gave Chicago an opportunity to end its long American League Championship Series drought.

Instead, the came up short, falling 9-5 in Game 4. A victory would have sent Chicago to the ALCS for the first time in more than two decades. The teams last appearance came in 2005.

Clevelands two fifth-inning home runs powered the Guardians to their second straight win in the series and forced a decisive Game 5 on Saturday.

The White Sox started fast, building on their 1-0 lead when Sam Antonaccis sacrifice fly in the third inning extended it to 2-0.

quickly answered, with Patrick Bailey and José Ramírez hitting home runs in the top of the fifth inning.

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Chicago answered in the bottom of the fifth. After Sam Antonacci was hit by a pitch, the White Sox rallied to tie the game at 3-3. A sacrifice fly by outfielder Brenton Doyle then put Chicago ahead 4-3.

That proved to be the White Soxs final lead of the night.

Miguel Vargas solo home run to left field in the bottom of the ninth gave Chicago a chance to mount a comeback. The White Sox put two runners on base later in the inning but ultimately could not complete the rally.

Game 5 of the ALDS shifts back to Cleveland, with the first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.