Cleveland Guardians turned the tide in their American League Division Series with a commanding 9‑3 victory over the Chicago White Sox in Game 3, powered by two‑out triples from Jo Adell and José Ramírez. The win prevented a sweep and marked the first time in franchise history that Cleveland posted two triples in a postseason game, a feat last seen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series opener.
Adell and Ramírez spark offence
Adell launched a three‑run triple in the third inning off White Sox starter Hagen Smith, pushing Cleveland ahead 4‑1. Later in the eighth, Ramírez delivered his own three‑bagger, scoring Travis Bazzana and Patrick Bailey to stretch the lead to 7‑3. Both hits came with two outs, underscoring the Guardians’ ability to capitalize when the pressure mounted.
Adell, acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in August, also collected an RBI triple during Cleveland’s 4‑3 loss in Game 2, giving him a pair of triples in the series. Ramírez, playing in his 48th postseason game—all with the Guardians—added a savvy baserunning run in the fifth after doubling, stealing third and scoring on Chase DeLauter’s grounder.
Defensive highlights and pitching notes
Beyond the bat, Ramírez made a diving stop on Miguel Vargas’s bases‑loaded smash in the sixth, preserving a 5‑3 cushion. Reliever Foster Griffin etched his name into Cleveland lore by striking out seven batters in 2 ⅔ innings, a franchise record for a reliever, while allowing just one run and two hits.
Chicago’s offense sputtered, striking out 19 times and managing only two hits with runners in scoring position. The White Sox bullpen, which had been dominant early in the postseason, faltered after Griffin’s strong outing. Left‑hander Hagen Smith, who took the loss, acknowledged the Guardians’ timing: “It’s a good team, and we’ll come back tomorrow and fight.”
Series outlook and implications
With the victory, Cleveland trails the best‑of‑five series 2‑1, setting up a decisive Game 4 on Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox remain bid to clinch a postseason series at home for the first time since the 1906 World Series against the Cubs—a feat that would cap a remarkable turnaround after a 60‑102 regular‑season record in 2023.
Cleveland’s starter for Game 4 will be left‑hander Parker Messick, who allowed two runs and four hits over 4 ⅓ innings in the series opener and posted a 12‑9 record with a 2.56 ERA during the regular season. Chicago has not yet announced its pitching plans for the decisive contest.
Why it Matters
The Guardians’ explosive offensive outburst not only keeps their postseason hopes alive but also delivers a rare statistical milestone that resonates with baseball fans across Canada, where the sport’s growth parallels the fervour seen in hockey rinks. By breaking a franchise‑wide drought on triples and showcasing clutch baserunning, Cleveland has reminded North American audiences that baseball can deliver the same high‑stakes drama that defines Canadian hockey playoffs, potentially boosting interest and engagement in the sport north of the border as the series heads to its climax.
