With the best-of-five series tied 2-2, both teams enter the matchup knowing that a victory means advancing to the next round of the 2026 MLB Playoffs, while a loss means elimination.
The White Sox are looking to avoid a disappointing postseason exit after winning the first two games of the series. Meanwhile, the Guardians have fought back with consecutive victories to force a winner-take-all Game 5.
Here’s what happens if Chicago wins, ties or loses against Cleveland in Game 5.
What Happens If the White Sox Win Game 5 Against the Guardians?
If the Chicago White Sox defeat the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5, they will win the American League Division Series 3-2 and advance to the 2026 ALCS.
A Chicago victory would accomplish several things:
- The White Sox advance to the American League Championship Series.
- Chicago wins the best-of-five ALDS 3-2.
- The Guardians are eliminated from the 2026 MLB Playoffs.
- The White Sox move one step closer to reaching the World Series.
- Chicago earns its first ALCS appearance since 2005.
Chicago would face the Tampa Bay Rays in the next round, with Game 1 of the ALCS scheduled for Monday, October 12.
Winning Game 5 would represent a major postseason achievement for the White Sox, especially after allowing Cleveland to erase their 2-0 series advantage.
What Happens If the White Sox Tie the Guardians in Game 5?
A tie is not possible in the MLB postseason.
Major League Baseball requires every playoff game to produce a winner.
If the White Sox and Guardians are tied after nine innings, the game will continue into extra innings until one team wins.
Unlike regular-season extra innings, MLB postseason games do not use the automatic runner on second base.
Therefore, Game 5 cannot end in a draw, regardless of how many innings are required.
The winner will advance to the ALCS, while the loser will be eliminated from the postseason.
What Happens If the White Sox Lose Game 5 Against the Guardians?
If the Chicago White Sox lose Game 5, their 2026 MLB postseason run will immediately end.
The Cleveland Guardians would win the ALDS 3-2 and advance to the American League Championship Series.
A Chicago loss would mean:
- The White Sox are eliminated from the 2026 MLB Playoffs.
- Cleveland advances to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Chicago loses the series despite holding a 2-0 advantage.
- The Guardians complete a comeback by winning three consecutive elimination games.
- The White Sox must wait until the 2027 season for another opportunity to compete for a World Series championship.
Because the ALDS is a best-of-five series, there would be no Game 6 or additional opportunity for Chicago to recover.
A loss would be particularly disappointing for the White Sox after opening the series with two consecutive victories.
White Sox vs. Guardians 2026 ALDS Results
The series has featured a dramatic shift in momentum, with Chicago winning the first two games before Cleveland responded with consecutive victories.
| Game | Result |
|---|---|
| Game 1 | White Sox 3, Guardians 0 |
| Game 2 | White Sox 4, Guardians 3 |
| Game 3 | Guardians 9, White Sox 3 |
| Game 4 | Guardians 9, White Sox 5 |
| Game 5 | Saturday, October 10 |
Current series: Tied 2-2
The White Sox began the series with a shutout victory in Game 1 before securing a narrow win in Game 2.
However, Cleveland’s offense responded by scoring nine runs in each of the following two games, setting up a decisive Game 5.
Chicago must now find a way to slow down Cleveland’s offense and secure one final victory to advance.
White Sox vs. Guardians Game 5: Date, Time and Where to Watch
Here are the scheduled details for Game 5 of the 2026 ALDS:
- Matchup: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
- TV Channels: TBS and truTV
- Streaming: HBO Max
- Series: Tied 2-2
- White Sox Starting Pitcher: Sean Burke
- Guardians Starting Pitcher: Gavin Williams
Fans can watch the elimination game on TBS and truTV or stream the matchup through HBO Max with an eligible subscription.
Who Does the Winner of White Sox vs. Guardians Face in the ALCS?
The winner of Game 5 is set to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 American League Championship Series.
The ALCS is a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games advancing to the World Series.
Game 1 is scheduled for Monday, October 12.
For Chicago, advancing would keep its championship aspirations alive and mark its first appearance in the ALCS since its World Series championship season in 2005.
For Cleveland, winning would complete a comeback from a 2-0 series deficit and extend its postseason run.
Can the White Sox Still Win the 2026 World Series?
Yes. As long as Chicago wins Game 5 against Cleveland, the White Sox remain in contention for the 2026 World Series championship.
To become World Series champions, Chicago must complete three remaining steps:
- Win Game 5: Defeat Cleveland to advance to the ALCS.
- Win the ALCS: Defeat the Tampa Bay Rays in a best-of-seven series.
- Win the World Series: Defeat the National League champion in a best-of-seven championship series.
However, a loss to Cleveland would immediately eliminate Chicago from championship contention.
Have the White Sox Won the World Series Before?
Yes. The Chicago White Sox have won three World Series championships in franchise history.
- 1906: Defeated the Chicago Cubs.
- 1917: Defeated the New York Giants.
- 2005: Defeated the Houston Astros.
The White Sox are attempting to return to the American League Championship Series for the first time since their 2005 championship season.
A victory over Cleveland would bring Chicago one step closer to ending its World Series title drought.
Final Thoughts: White Sox Face Must-Win Game Against Guardians
The Chicago White Sox enter Game 5 of the 2026 ALDS with their entire season on the line.
After building a 2-0 series advantage, Chicago has lost two consecutive games and must now defeat Cleveland on the road to avoid elimination.
If the White Sox win, they advance to the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays. If they lose, their season ends. A tie is not possible because MLB postseason games continue until a winner is determined.
With a trip to the American League Championship Series at stake, Saturday’s White Sox vs. Guardians matchup is a decisive contest in the 2026 MLB postseason.