The Chicago White Sox can close out their AL Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, but they would have to do it on their own field – a venue where the club has not secured a postseason series in 120 years.
Chicago holds a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five ALDS and will welcome Cleveland to Rate Field for Game 3. A win would propel the White Sox into the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2005, while the Guardians need a victory to avoid their season coming to an end.
For Cleveland, there is no margin for another loss. “We’ve got to win another game because we don’t have the luxury to lose another one,” third baseman José Ramírez said.
White Sox hold 2-0 lead over Guardians in ALDS
Chicago is hosting its first home playoff game since 2021 following a surprising turnaround campaign. The White Sox had dropped 324 games combined across the previous three seasons but made major strides at Rate Field this year, posting a 48-33 mark after going 33-48 at home in 2025.
The club is urging fans to wear black for Wednesday’s contest as part of its blackout theme. Reliever Bryan Hudson anticipates an atmosphere unlike anything the White Sox have seen this year, with the home crowd delivering an additional jolt of energy.
Chicago also fared well against Cleveland at home during the regular season, taking four of six meetings. The White Sox now have a chance to convert that home-field edge into a series-clinching win.
Guardians confront elimination in Game 3
Cleveland is trying to mount a stunning comeback after losing the first two games. The Guardians are in the postseason for a third straight year, and manager Stephen Vogt believes his players are at ease handling unfriendly road settings.
The Guardians actually fared better away from home in the regular season, going 44-37 on the road compared with 41-40 at home. Vogt expects a noisy Chicago crowd but said his players have been through similar playoff and regular-season environments many times.
Cleveland’s task is simple: another defeat would end its postseason run. If the Guardians win Game 3, the teams will face off again Thursday.
The White Sox bullpen takes center stage
Chicago will once again lean heavily on its bullpen, with left-hander Sean Newcomb serving as the opener against Cleveland right-hander Daniel Espino. The White Sox have relied extensively on their relievers during their first four playoff victories.
According to Stats Perform, Chicago is the only MLB team in the modern era to have its bullpen pitch at least five innings, record at least five strikeouts, and earn the win in four consecutive games, whether in the regular season or playoffs.
Newcomb already played a role in that approach in Game 2, tossing two scoreless innings after Anthony Kay recorded the first out during Chicago’s 4-3 victory. General manager Chris Getz said the strategy is built around the strengths of the team’s pitching staff.
Chicago has also benefited from days off following the first two games of the series, giving its pitching staff extra time between appearances.
Daniel Espino gets another playoff chance
Espino will take the mound again after recording two outs in relief of Parker Messick in the series opener. The 25-year-old has long been viewed as one of Cleveland’s top prospects but dealt with shoulder injuries before making his major league debut in June.
Now facing a win-or-go-home situation with the Guardians, Espino said the key is trusting his abilities and the preparation that has brought him to this moment.
The White Sox, meanwhile, are one victory away from a spot in the AL Championship Series. Should Cleveland extend the series, Game 4 will be played Thursday.