José Ramírez, Guardians' Offense Explode to Force Game 5 in ALDS

The Cleveland Guardians' playoff run remains alive, as they pulled off a 9-5 win over the Chicago White Sox in Game 4.

It was one of Cleveland's best offensive performances all season long, coming when it mattered most.

The bats came to life in the fifth, as Patrick Bailey hit a solo shot to right. Steven Kwan got on base with a single, which set up star José Ramírez at the plate with one on and one out. Ramírez blasted a two-run homer to right-center, giving the Guardians a 3-2 lead.

Tanner Bibee gave up two runs in the sixth, allowing Chicago to retake a 4-3 lead, but it didn't last long. 

A Guardians offense that struggled in the first two games of the ALDS exploded in Game 4. Travis Bazzana hit an RBI double, followed by an RBI single from Bailey. After back-to-back walks from Brayan Rocchio and Kwan, the bases were loaded for Ramírez, who reached on an infield single, scoring Bailey.

Chase DeLauter then hit an RBI single to right, followed by an Adell single that drove in two more runs. The Guardians exited the sixth with a comfortable 9-4 lead.

Cleveland scored six runs in an inning for the first time since the eighth inning against the Houston Astros back on April 21st.

It is also just the second time in franchise history that the Guardians have scored nine or more runs in back-to-back playoff games, joining their 1997 squad, who did it against the Florida Marlins in the World Series. 

This offensive output hasn't been common for Cleveland all season. They had the seventh-worst batting average in baseball at .239 in the regular season, and that low average isn't indicative of their play style. The Guardians are not a power-hitting team, as they had the fourth-fewest home runs in MLB with 162.

The offensive eruptions in Games 3 and 4 by Cleveland proved the team can come through in the clutch, as they scored nine runs in each game to stave off elimination.

The Guardians had their ace, Parker Messick, on the mound, but he didn't have his best stuff. Messick lasted just 2.1 innings, allowing two hits, four walks, and two earned runs while striking out five.

The 25-year-old was one of their best players all season, but in an elimination game, the offense picked him up and led Cleveland to victory.

Star closer Cade Smith came on for the final six outs, but the White Sox made a late push. Miguel Vargas hit a solo home run off Smith before Munetaka Murakami walked. This forced Stephen Vogt to call on Gavin Williams out of the bullpen.

Williams allowed a single before getting the final three outs to secure the Game 4 win. He only threw 18 pitches, which should keep him available as the starter for Game 5 in Cleveland.

With the win, the Guardians are staying alive and will look to win Game 5 at home to advance to the ALCS and take on the Tampa Bay Rays.