MLB Playoff Score October 8, 2026: Guardians Force Game 5
Cleveland erased two deficits and beat Chicago 9-5 on October 8, 2026, forcing a decisive Game 5 in the American League Division Series.
A Cleveland baseball stadium and skyline. Photo by Chris Chow via Unsplash; used under the Unsplash License.
Cleveland erased another deficit, erupted for six runs in the sixth inning and forced a decisive Game 5 in the American League Division Series.
The MLB playoff score from October 8, 2026, ensured that the postseason would return to Cleveland. The Guardians overcame deficits of 2-0 and 4-3 before beating the Chicago White Sox 9-5 at Rate Field.
Below is an original recap of Thursday’s only MLB game. The final score, pitching decision and series status were verified through MLB’s official October 8 scoreboard.
Cleveland Guardians 9, Chicago White Sox 5
Cleveland scored six runs in the sixth inning, turning a one-run deficit into a commanding lead and tying the best-of-five AL Division Series at two games apiece.
Chicago moved ahead in the third when Munetaka Murakami drew a bases-loaded walk and Sam Antonacci followed with a sacrifice fly. However, Cleveland began its response in the fifth. Pinch hitter Patrick Bailey launched a solo homer, and José RamÃrez then hit a two-run shot off a 99.9 mph fastball.
The White Sox quickly regained a 4-3 advantage. Antonacci absorbed another bases-loaded hit-by-pitch before Brenton Doyle delivered a sacrifice fly. Still, Cleveland’s lineup overwhelmed Chicago’s bullpen one inning later.
First, Travis Bazzana tied the game with an RBI double. Bailey then put the Guardians ahead with a run-scoring single. RamÃrez, Chase DeLauter and Jo Adell added more damage, with Adell’s two-run single completing the six-run rally.
Chicago’s Miguel Vargas homered in the ninth, but the late swing only reduced the final margin. Gavin Williams recorded the final three outs, while Erik Sabrowski earned the victory in relief.
As a result, the teams will play a winner-take-all Game 5 in Cleveland. In addition, the road team has now won each of the first four games, marking only the sixth time that has happened in a best-of-five postseason series. MLB game story
Winning pitcher: Erik Sabrowski (1-1)
Losing pitcher: Anthony Kay (1-1)
October 8 MLB Playoff Score at a Glance
- Cleveland Guardians 9, Chicago White Sox 5
