The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Saturday. Gavin Williams and Cleveland's pitching was tremendous. Jose Ramirez led the way on offense with an improbable two-run home run on a pitch that almost hit the ground.
Ramirez is looking to carry his momentum into the American League Championship Series as the Guardians prepare to play the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ramirez, a seven-time All-Star, endured a difficult season. He dealt with injury trouble and also underperformed at the plate. The Guardians star has found his footing in the postseason, however. Former player and current MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa recently discussed an adjustment that may have led to Ramirez's heroic Game 5 moment against the White Sox.
Did José Ramírez unlock something with his swing? 🧐
DeRo points out the toe tap the Guardians' superstar used in his epic Game 5 home run against Sean Burke. pic.twitter.com/hspzvXiUQd
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 12, 2026
“Something I noticed, see him just set his front foot down? I was like, ‘He doesn't normally do that, he's a leg-kick guy,'” DeRosa explained. “… Just making in-game adjustments to kind of slow the eyes down, that's what I love. And for him to be able to pick that off the ground is just absolutely ridiculous.”
Ramirez ditched the leg-kick on his home run swing on Saturday. It seemingly helped with his timing as he went down and somehow lifted the pitch that was headed toward the dirt. Making contact with the pitch was one thing, but somehow sending it over the right field fence was a truly jaw-dropping moment.
When Jose Ramirez is playing at his best, these are the kind of things he can do. He's one of the best players in the game, and the Guardians will be in a good position if he continues to swing the bat well in the ALCS.