CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians are going to the American League Championship Series after winning ALDS Game 5 in a memorable performance to close out the series and advance to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
Gavin Williams led the way less than 48 hours after closing Game 4, delivering what was described as maybe the best start of his career in the most important game of his career. That is what an ace does. Jose Ramirez, after one of his toughest seasons due to injury, had maybe his best playoff series ever and put the offense on his back in every win.
The entire pitching staff rebounded after some not so great performances earlier in the series and deserves its flowers. Erik Sabrowski was nails, and Hunter Gaddis was absolutely crucial with a five-out performance despite his playoff mishaps. Cleveland does not win the game without that effort, and then the best reliever in all of baseball did what the best reliever in all of baseball does with dominance to close it out.
It was described as one of the most enjoyable games and series to watch, with Cleveland's stars delivering at the highest level in the most high-leverage situations. You can not ask for anything more than what the Guardians gave in the clincher as they now move on to the ALCS.