White Sox Top Astros 6-3 in AL Wild Card Series Opener

The Chicago White Sox secured a 6-3 victory over the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series, led by Colson Montgomery's 432-foot home run.

The Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 6-3 at Daikin Park on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the AL Wild Card Series. This victory marked Chicago's first playoff win in five years, following three consecutive 100-loss seasons. The White Sox offense established an early lead in the first inning when Munetaka Murakami hit a sacrifice fly against Astros opener AJ Blubaugh, scoring a run after the team drew three walks.

Colson Montgomery extended the Chicago lead with a 432-foot home run to center field, while Sam Antonacci contributed a two-run single in the second inning. The Chicago attack totaled five opposite-field hits and drew four walks. Houston’s scoring was primarily limited to a two-run pinch-hit home run by Nelson Velazquez, as the Astros offense struggled against five different Chicago pitchers.

White Sox rookie Hagen Smith started the contest, throwing 38 pitches over three scoreless innings while allowing two hits and recording two groundouts against Yordan Alvarez. Grant Taylor earned the save by pitching the final 2⅓ innings, throwing a game-high 54 pitches and recording seven outs. Houston committed one error that led to an unearned run, and their pitching staff struggled with command throughout the evening. The series continues tomorrow with Hunter Brown scheduled to start for the Astros.