The Chicago White Sox are on the brink of a second straight postseason series victory as they head into Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians. A win would give the Sox a commanding 2-0 lead and move them one step closer to the American League Championship Series.

Guardians’ do‑or‑die situation

Cleveland entered the series as the American League Central champions for the second consecutive year, but a loss in the first two games would end their playoff run. After falling behind in both games at home, the Guardians travel to Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago with their season hanging in the balance.

Pitcher Foster Griffin, who finished the regular season 21st in ERA (3.60) and 27th in WHIP (1.21), is expected to see action either as a starter or reliever. Griffin faced the White Sox twice during the regular season and previously tossed seven scoreless innings against the Nationals, allowing just two hits.

White Sox pitching outlook

Chicago’s rotation remains unsettled for the third game. Rumors suggest Hagen Smith could take the mound, but the Sox have relied heavily on Sean Burke and Anthony Kay throughout the season. Kay has often been used as an opener, while Davis Martin, who carried the staff for much of the first half, may also see a role.

Despite the uncertainty, the White Sox have shown resilience, overcoming a history of losing over 300 games in the past three seasons to reach this point. Their confidence is buoyed by strong fan energy at Guaranteed Rate Field, where the crowd’s enthusiasm could provide an extra edge.

Key matchups and betting angles

The game is projected as a potential high‑scoring affair, with many bettors favoring the over on the 7.5‑run total. Neither team possesses a dominant shut‑down ace, suggesting both bullpens could be tested.

While the Guardians have a solid mix of arms that could keep the game close, the White Sox’s momentum and home‑field advantage make them the slight favorites.

What’s at stake

A victory for Chicago would not only give them a 2-0 series lead but also reinforce the narrative of a team that has defied expectations and odds. For Cleveland, a win would keep their postseason hopes alive and demonstrate that the division champions can still fight back after early setbacks.

Fans of both clubs can look forward to a pivotal game that could shape the remainder of the ALDS and set the stage for a potential AL Championship series showdown.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.