Tristan Peters once again found himself at the plate with a chance to secure a victory for the Chicago White Sox. On Sunday, he delivered by hitting a walk-off solo home run in the ninth inning, giving the Sox a 2-1 win over the New York Mets at Rate Field. The game was witnessed by 27,721 fans.
“It’s what you dream of as a kid,” Peters expressed. “You think about these scenarios growing up, and now I get to face them. They come with high pressure, but they’re a lot of fun.”
The White Sox won two out of three games in this series against the Mets, both victories featuring walk-off hits. Catcher Jake Rogers also contributed with a walk-off two-run homer in Friday’s 6-4 triumph.
The Sox boast 11 walk-off wins this season. Peters had already been pivotal with a game-winning single against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 3 and a walk-off walk against the New York Yankees on July 30, in addition to Sunday’s homer.
“Walk-offs mean good things happen,” noted manager Will Venable. “Our guys keep battling. The fans and the city’s support make these moments a bit more special.”
The Sox continue to lead the American League Central with a record of 68-62, maintaining a 3 1/2 game lead over the second-place Cleveland Guardians, who beat the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on the same day.
Solid Pitching Performance
Pitching dominated much of Sunday’s game. Sean Newcomb, the Sox opener, delivered two-plus scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out three. “My goal was to set the tone and keep the scoreboard clean,” Newcomb said.
Bulk pitcher Erick Fedde also impressed, giving up only three hits and striking out two over four scoreless innings. He walked one batter. “Fedde was superb,” commented Venable. “He attacked with the fastball and kept it sharp.”
Hagen Smith was called in during the seventh with two on and no outs. He struck out three consecutive batters. Venable remarked, “When Smith’s in the zone, he’s tough to hit.”
Mets starter Nolan McLean matched the Sox’s pitchers with a strong outing, surrendering only one hit in six scoreless innings while striking out six and walking four. Venable acknowledged McLean’s challenging performance. “He was tough with everything working,” Venable said.
Late Inning Drama
In the eighth, Andrew Benintendi capitalized on another opportunity by driving in Miguel Vargas with a double, earning the Sox a 1-0 lead. The Mets responded in the ninth. Carson Benge singled and advanced to second after Luis Robert Jr. walked. Jared Young’s single allowed Benge to score, leveling the game at 1-1. The Mets nearly extended their lead but were shut down by reliever Gant Taylor.
Taylor, however, struck out A.J. Ewing with the bases loaded, capping the inning at one run. “Taylor’s competitive nature was crucial,” Venable stated.
The game continued with Chase Meidroth grounding out in the bottom of the ninth, leading to Peters’ game-winning moment against reliever Kodai Senga. “I tried to stay patient,” Peters explained. “I expected a fastball up in the zone.”
On a 3-1 count, Peters connected with a fastball that sailed over the fence, securing another walk-off win for the Sox. “We got one back, so it was reassuring,” Newcomb said.
Injury Updates
Additionally, catcher Kyle Teel and pitcher Chris Murphy are set to start their rehabilitation assignments with Triple-A Charlotte. Teel is recovering from a left ankle sprain, while Murphy works back from a left flexor strain. “The focus is ensuring my body feels right,” Teel shared.