White Sox Sweep Astros to Secure First Playoff Series Win Since 2005

Chase Meidroth hit a three-run home run to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 7-3 victory and a sweep of the AL Wild Card Series.

The Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 7-3 on Wednesday to complete a two-game sweep of the AL Wild Card Series. Chase Meidroth provided the decisive blow with a three-run home run off Bryan Abreu in the sixth inning, extending a one-run lead to the final four-run margin. This victory marks Chicago's first playoff series win since the team defeated Houston in the 2005 World Series. The White Sox now advance to face the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Division Series starting Saturday.

Chicago established an early lead by scoring four runs in the first inning against Houston starter Hunter Brown. Brown, who entered the game with a 6-0 career record against the White Sox, was removed after recording only two outs. The Astros defense contributed to the early deficit with two errors in the opening frame. Despite the rocky start, Houston relievers AJ Blubaugh and Peter Lambert combined to retire 13 consecutive batters following Brown's exit.

Houston attempted a comeback through solo home runs from Jeremy Pena, Cam Smith, and Jose Altuve. Altuve’s fourth-inning blast was the 28th postseason home run of his career, moving him within one of Manny Ramirez's MLB record. The Astros had an opportunity to take the lead in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and two outs, but Anthony Kay retired Altuve on a fly out to preserve the Chicago lead.

The loss marks Houston's ninth consecutive home playoff defeat. The Astros finished the season 81-81, becoming the first team in MLB history to reach the postseason without a winning record. Conversely, the White Sox became the first team to reach the playoffs following consecutive 100-loss seasons. Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez finished the series 1-for-8 with two strikeouts as the Astros were swept in the wild-card round at home for the second consecutive year.