# Rocchio walks off Guardians past White Sox

> Brayan Rocchio delivers a two-run double in the ninth inning to beat Chicago and keep Cleveland's playoff hopes alive.
- Title: Rocchio walks off Guardians past White Sox | Shortify
- Summary: Brayan Rocchio delivers a two-run double in the ninth inning to beat Chicago and keep Cleveland's playoff hopes alive. Rocchio has become the Guardians' most…
- Keywords: brayan rocchio, cleveland guardians, chicago white sox, walk-off hit, cade smith, al central, september baseball, mlb, clutch hitting, relief pitching, sports, Rocchio
- Source: Cleveland Cavaliers On SI — https://si.com/mlb/guardians/onsi/brayan-rocchio-steps-up-big-again-for-guardians-in-crucial-win-against-white-sox-01m2kxbh24bc
- Published: 2026-09-16T02:47:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: brayan rocchio, cleveland guardians, chicago white sox, walk-off hit, cade smith, al central, september baseball, mlb, clutch hitting, relief pitching, sports
## Rocchio delivers in the ninth
On September 15, Brayan Rocchio smacked a two-run double to left field, scoring David Fry and Daniel Schneemann to walk off the White Sox 6-5.
## Series evened at one game
The victory ties the crucial mid-week series against division-leading Chicago at one, with the finale set for Wednesday.
## Rocchio's clutch gene on display
The 25-year-old shortstop came through with two outs and the Guardians down a run in the final frame, showing why he's become the team's most reliable closer.
## Four walk-offs this season
Rocchio now has four walk-offs in 2026 and seven in his young career, establishing himself as a September performer.
## Manager praises his consistency
Stephen Vogt said Rocchio "just always seems to come through" in tough spots, calling it a huge moment for the team.

> he just always seems to come through. It was a huge, huge moment for us
## Cade Smith shuts down eighth
Closer Cade Smith entered in the eighth needing five outs and delivered without allowing a hit, walk, or run on just 16 pitches.
## Smith dominant since All-Star break
The first-year closer owns a 4-0 record with a 0.77 ERA, eight saves, and 33 strikeouts across 23.1 innings since the break.
## Bullpen steps up in September
With the bullpen struggling for consistency, Smith answered the call to pitch earlier than usual in the stretch run.

> We want to be ready to be able to step up and help the team win
## AL Central title on the line
The Guardians sit half a game behind the White Sox with Wednesday's series finale at 1:10 p.m. Eastern time.
## Key takeaway

Rocchio has become the Guardians' most reliable clutch hitter, with four walk-offs this season alone.