Cade Smith’s five-out save completed Cleveland’s three-game comeback and sent the Guardians into the American League Championship Series.

Abbotsford’s Cade Smith struck out four batters on October 10 during 1 2/3 scoreless innings as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0 in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

The win sent Cleveland into the American League Championship Series after the Guardians lost the first two games of the best-of-five series. They won the next three, becoming the 11th team in Major League Baseball history to complete that postseason comeback.

Smith closed out the win

Smith entered with Cleveland protecting a two-run lead. The right-hander allowed no runs and recorded a five-out save, according to Major League Baseball’s official game report.

His four strikeouts were the clearest Canadian highlight of a dominant night for Cleveland’s pitching staff. The Guardians combined for 21 strikeouts, the most ever recorded in a nine-inning Major League Baseball game, whether regular season or postseason, according to the league.

A major Canadian baseball moment

Smith was born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and grew up in the Fraser Valley. He played for Canada’s Junior National Team before reaching the major leagues with Cleveland.

Baseball Canada has previously recognized Smith’s rise from Abbotsford to the Guardians. This performance added a playoff-clinching save to the milestones of one of Canada’s most prominent baseball players.

Why the comeback matters

Cleveland had no margin for error after losing the opening two games at home. The Guardians answered with three consecutive victories and finished the series with a shutout.

  • Series deficit: 0-2
  • Consecutive wins to advance: 3
  • Smith’s line: 1 2/3 scoreless innings and 4 strikeouts
  • Team strikeouts: 21

José Ramírez supplied the only runs with a two-run home run. Gavin Williams struck out 12 batters, while Smith and the rest of the bullpen protected the lead through the final outs.

For Canadian supporters, the local connection was immediate. A reliever from Abbotsford helped finish one of Cleveland’s most dramatic postseason recoveries and kept the club’s season alive in the next round.