Gavin Williams delivered a stellar performance, striking out 12 batters as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Saturday night. This victory marked a remarkable comeback for the Guardians, who overcame a 2-0 deficit in their best-of-five American League Division Series.

As the Guardians prepare to open the American League Championship Series against Tampa Bay on Monday night, they aim for their first World Series appearance since 2016. The franchise has not claimed a title since 1948, holding the longest championship drought in MLB.

In this decisive game, Guardians pitchers collectively recorded 21 strikeouts, setting a record for the most in a nine-inning postseason game. The White Sox struggled offensively, managing only three hits and putting just nine balls in play, contributing to their 75 strikeouts throughout the series.

Williams, who had previously secured a save in Game 4, became just the third pitcher in postseason history to achieve the last out of one game and start the next while facing elimination. He maintained a no-hitter until Kyle Teel hit a knuckle-curve into right field with two outs in the sixth inning. José Ramírez contributed significantly, homering for the second consecutive game with a two-run shot off Sean Burke.

After Williams walked a batter to load the bases, Erik Sabrowski took over, striking out Munetaka Murakami to end the inning. Williams’ 12 strikeouts tied the franchise record for a postseason game, and he achieved 22 swings and misses, leading to a total of 24 strikeouts over three games in the series, the second most in a best-of-five postseason.

Hunter Gaddis followed Sabrowski, securing four outs, while Cade Smith earned his first career five-out save, striking out the side in the ninth. Smith sealed the game by blowing a fastball past Tristan Peters, igniting a celebration at Progressive Field. Meanwhile, the White Sox, who became the first team to reach the playoffs after three consecutive 100-loss seasons, continue their search for a World Series title, last won in 2004.