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Guardians vs White Sox head into a decisive American League Division Series matchup Wednesday, with Cleveland facing elimination and Chicago one victory away from reaching the American League Championship Series.
The White Sox won the first two games at Progressive Field, overcoming Cleveland’s home-field advantage and taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Game 3 will be played at Rate Field, where the White Sox can complete a historic sweep in front of their home fans.
Guardians vs White Sox Face a Critical Game 3
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The game will air nationally on TBS, truTV and HBO Max, with Spanish-language coverage available on UniMas. ESPN Radio will also carry live coverage of the postseason contest.
For Cleveland, the message is simple: lose and the season ends. The Guardians won the American League Central by one game over Chicago during the regular season, despite losing the season series, 7-6. That division title gave Cleveland home-field advantage, but the White Sox quickly erased it with two hard-fought road victories.
Chicago now has the opportunity to reach the ALCS for the first time since 2005. That White Sox team went 11-1 during its postseason run and captured the World Series. A Game 3 victory would also give Chicago its first home playoff series-clinching win since 1906.
Explosive Pitching Strategy Takes Shape
The Guardians will use right-hander Daniel Espino as their opener. Cleveland has not announced the full pitching plan, but Joey Cantillo could follow after delivering three effective relief outings behind Espino in September. Cantillo allowed only four hits and four walks while striking out 17 across 15 scoreless innings during that stretch.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt also has Tanner Bibee and Foster Griffin available, while the off-day provided valuable rest for the bullpen. Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis, Shawn Armstrong and Cade Smith are expected to be available as Cleveland tries to extend the series.
The White Sox will counter with left-hander Sean Newcomb. He owns a 2.61 ERA in nine appearances against Cleveland this season, including a relief appearance in Chicago’s 4-3 Game 2 victory. Manager Will Venable is expected to use every available arm if the White Sox can move within reach of a clinching win.
Closer Grant Taylor has been a major factor for Chicago. He saved both victories in Cleveland, including a four-inning save in Game 1. Taylor threw only seven pitches Monday, leaving him in position to handle another high-pressure assignment if necessary.
Surprising Lineup Changes and Offensive Pressure
Cleveland’s lineup remains unchanged from Game 2, with Vogt keeping Nathaniel Lowe at first base and David Fry available as a potential pinch-hitter. The Guardians have struggled to generate offense throughout the series, scoring only three runs on seven hits and eight walks.
- Steven Kwan leads off in center field.
- José Ramírez bats second and plays third base.
- Chase DeLauter, Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe occupy the middle of the order.
- Angel Martínez, Travis Bazzana, Patrick Bailey and Brayan Rocchio complete the lineup.
Several Cleveland hitters are searching for a breakthrough. Angel Martínez is 0-for-8 in the series, while Ramírez is 0-for-6 with two walks. Kwan, Adell and Bazzana have each recorded one hit. Adell did collect his first career postseason hit and RBI with a triple in the eighth inning of Game 2.
Chicago will use a different designated hitter for the third consecutive game. Sam Antonacci moves from left field to designated hitter, while Randal Grichuk starts in left. Miguel Vargas, Munetaka Murakami, Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth form the heart of the White Sox order.
Murakami homered in Game 1 and drove home Chicago’s first run in Game 2. Braden Montgomery delivered the decisive two-run double Monday, continuing a strong postseason showing. Vargas also reached base three times with two walks and a single.
Historic Stakes at Rate Field
The White Sox will bring back their Blackout theme for the potential clincher, adding to an already intense atmosphere. Chicago’s players have emphasized their ability to contribute in different roles, with starters and relievers stepping in wherever needed.
Cleveland outfielder Steven Kwan said the team has faced adversity throughout the season and does not plan to panic. The Guardians played better on the road during the regular season, posting a 44-37 record away from home compared with 41-40 at Progressive Field.
That road success offers Cleveland a reason for confidence, but the challenge is enormous. The White Sox need one more win to finish the series, while the Guardians must produce three consecutive victories to keep their championship hopes alive.
Guardians vs White Sox Game 3 FAQs
When is Guardians vs White Sox Game 3?
Game 3 begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, or 3 p.m. CT, at Rate Field in Chicago.
How can fans watch the game?
The game will be broadcast on TBS, truTV and HBO Max. Spanish-language coverage will be available on UniMas.
Who will start for Cleveland?
Daniel Espino will open for the Guardians. Cleveland is expected to use multiple pitchers after the opening assignment.
Who is starting for the White Sox?
Sean Newcomb is scheduled to start for Chicago, with the White Sox bullpen available behind him.
What happens if Chicago wins?
The White Sox will clinch the Division Series and advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2005.
