The Chicago White Sox have advanced to the American League Division Series by sweeping the Houston Astros in two games. This marks the White Sox’s first postseason series victory since defeating the Astros in the 2005 World Series, which ended an 88-year championship drought. The team now gears up for a best-of-five ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians claimed the AL Central title by a narrow margin, finishing one game ahead of the Sox. This victory continues their trend of dominance with their third consecutive division title and seventh in the last 11 years.
Game 1: White Sox 6, Astros 3
In Game 1, the White Sox overcame the Astros with a 6-3 win. Shortstop Colson Montgomery and second baseman Chase Meidroth were instrumental in securing the victory. The game took place on September 29, 2026, at Daikin Park in front of a crowd of 34,011 fans. The game began with both teams opting for openers on the mound, which resulted in extensive use of the bullpens. The White Sox emerged victorious, marking a promising start to the series. Both Montgomery and Meidroth celebrated the team’s triumph and were pivotal to the win.
This is just the start; Munetaka Murakami is ready to lead the White Sox in his first MLB postseason.
The White Sox prepared for the series by assembling a roster consisting of 12 pitchers, two catchers, five infielders, and seven outfielders. Fans of the team savored the moment, finding joy in the team’s surprise playoff push.
Game 2: White Sox 7, Astros 3
In the second game, the White Sox continued their strong performance, winning 7-3 and completing the sweep against the Astros. Once again, Colson Montgomery played a key role, celebrating with his teammates in the clubhouse after the victory. The game took place on September 30, 2026, in Houston. The White Sox quickly gained momentum by scoring four runs in the first inning. Although the Astros narrowed the lead with runs in the first, second, and fourth innings, Chase Meidroth’s three-run home run in the sixth inning widened the lead. Pitchers Jordan Hicks and Erick Fedde secured the win with two shutout innings each.
Support for the White Sox extends beyond the field, as fans and team owner Jerry Reinsdorf share in the excitement of the postseason journey. Young players sought advice to navigate their first playoff experience, contributing to the team’s overall success.
The Journey to the Playoffs
The White Sox’s journey to the postseason is nothing short of remarkable. The team managed to secure a playoff berth by defeating the Kansas City Royals 9-1 on September 24, 2026. Braden Montgomery and Munetaka Murakami were pivotal in the victory that clinched the postseason spot. Prior to this achievement, no team had ever reached the postseason after suffering over 100 losses in consecutive seasons. The White Sox set a new precedent, overcoming a challenging history that included losing 101 games in 2023, an unprecedented 121 games in 2024, and 102 games in 2025.
We’ve been chasing this moment for a long time. It’s special for us, it’s special for the organization. It’s a special group of guys. It’s the most fun you can have.– Miguel Vargas, White Sox third baseman
These accomplishments mark an incredible turnaround, defying expectations and making history. The White Sox’s unexpected success has ignited excitement among fans and players alike as they look forward to continuing their playoff run.