Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians are fighting for survival in their American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox, who could end the series Thursday with a win in Game 4.
After two scoreless innings, the White Sox finally put runs on the board in the third inning, putting Cleveland's back against the wall — again. But the Guardians responded in the following inning by scoring three runs, including two from a big blast from (who else) but Ramirez.
Facing White Sox reliever Jordan Hicks with one on and the Guardians trailing 2-1, Ramirez took a strike on the pitcher's first offering before making hard contact on the second one — a 99 mph fastball — for a 378-foot home run, giving Cleveland the 3-2 lead.
Article Continues BelowJOSE RAMIREZ GIVES THE GUARDIANS THE LEAD WITH A 2-RUN HR 🍿😤 pic.twitter.com/O4MeSIURAw
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The 34-year-old Ramirez has been hitting the ball nicely of late. In Game 3 on Wednesday, he helped extend his team's season by going 2-for-4 with a double and triple to go along with two RBIs in a 9-3 victory. If the Guardians are to pull off a come-from-behind series win against Chicago, Ramirez will have to be a huge factor, and he's been doing just that. And that's despite havinga down 2025 campaign in which the seven-time All-Star slashed only hit just .235/.320 /.368 across 125 games.
Ramirez and the Guardians wasted their home-field advantage in this division series, allowing the White Sox to win the first two games at Progressive Field in Cleveland, but their response in Game 3 sent a strong message to Chicago. Now, the Guardians hope to win one more in order to force a Game 5, which would take place in Cleveland.