Rain threatens Game 5 of Guardians-White Sox ALDS matchup

The Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox face off Saturday night in a winner-take-all ALDS Game 5 at Progressive Field, but incoming rain poses a potential threat to the matchup that will determine who advances to the American League Championship Series.

A band of rain is forecast to move into Cleveland shortly after the 8 p.m. ET first pitch, according to weather reports. Weather reporter Kevin Roth warned that rain could arrive around game time but expected conditions to improve as the system approaches.

"We have got a band of rain pushing in to Cleveland shortly after scheduled first pitch," Roth stated. "My best guess here is that they are just going to try to play through it, but I can't rule out some sort of delay."

MLB's weather outlook identified the matchup as having a possibility of a delay or rainout, though the broader forecast was relatively favorable for most of the evening. Local forecasts suggested much of the game could remain dry, with more significant rainfall expected after midnight.

The weather concern carries particular weight in this high-stakes contest. Cleveland forced Game 5 after defeating Chicago 9-5 in Game 4, setting up a decisive matchup with virtually no margin for error for either team.

Gavin Williams is scheduled to start for Cleveland against Sean Burke for the White Sox. The outcome will determine which team advances in the postseason.