The ending of the American League Championship Series was disappointing for the Cleveland Guardians. After going up 2-1 against the Tampa Bay Rays, they proceeded to lose three straight games, which resulted in their elimination.
Before that, however, the Guardians’ postseason run included an epic comeback in the Division Series against the Chicago White Sox. Cleveland lost the first two games at home, then had to go to Rate Field with their backs against the wall.
The Guardians won the two games in the Windy City and then returned to Cleveland for a crucial Game 5 that they also won. That contest was historic in many ways, mainly because the pitching staff was absolutely dominant.
On October 10, with the AL Division Series tied at two wins apiece, the Guardians shut out the White Sox 2-0 and recorded a postseason-high (for a nine-inning game) 21 strikeouts. Gavin Williams was magnificent that day, tossing 5.2 scoreless frames, allowing just one hit and fanning 12 White Sox batters.
The Guardians sent a ball from that incredible feat to the Hall of Fame.
“Spontaneous achievements make up the majority of the items the Hall collects each season. A representative connects with a team’s public relations or equipment staff to coordinate the shipment. The Cleveland Guardians sent a baseball after they tallied 21 strikeouts, a record for any nine-inning game, against the Chicago White Sox in the decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series,” Guardians insider Zack Meisel wrote.
The Hall collects items connected to big achievements every year. For example, per Meisel, they now have Aaron Ashby’s glasses, William Contreras’ catcher’s gear, Pat Murphy’s navy hoodie, Jacob Misiorowski’s cap, Sal Frelick’s batting gloves, Christian Yelich’s jersey, Cooper Pratt’s bat, and Brice Turang’s cleats, all from the recently crowned World Series champs Milwaukee Brewers.
That day in which the Guardians’ pitching staff made history will now be in the Hall through that ball. Besides Williams’ 12 strikeouts, Erik Sabrowski notched one, and Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith each had four. Fans will remember the day for a long time, because it was the perfect way to cap an impressive comeback in the series.
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