White Sox Advance to AL Division Series Against Guardians

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White Sox Headed to Division Series

The Chicago White Sox have secured their spot in the American League Division Series after a decisive 2-0 series sweep against the Houston Astros. This marks their first postseason series victory since winning the 2005 World Series against the Astros, which was also the team’s first championship in nearly nine decades.

The White Sox will now face the Cleveland Guardians in a best-of-five ALDS. The Guardians narrowly claimed the AL Central title ahead of the Sox, marking their third consecutive division win and seventh in the last 11 seasons.

How the Series Unfolded

Game 1: White Sox 6, Astros 3

During the first game of the wild-card series on September 29, 2026, the White Sox achieved a 6-3 win over the Astros. Played at Daikin Park in Houston, the game saw both teams’ bullpens being put to the test. With 34,011 fans in attendance, shortstop Colson Montgomery and second baseman Chase Meidroth celebrated the victory.

Game 2: White Sox 7, Astros 3

The White Sox maintained their momentum in Game 2, with a 7-3 victory on September 30, 2026. An aggressive start in the first inning resulted in four runs, pressuring the Astros early. Although the Astros managed to reduce the gap, Chase Meidroth’s three-run homer in the sixth inning fortified the team’s lead. The win was secured by solid pitching from Jordan Hicks and Erick Fedde, who delivered shutout innings.

Historic Turnaround

The White Sox have made history by reaching the postseason after consecutive years of losing over 100 games. Overcoming back-to-back difficult seasons, they secured a playoff spot with a 9-1 victory against the Royals on September 24, 2026, in Kansas City. Third baseman Miguel Vargas reflected on the team’s accomplishment, noting the significance of the moment for both the players and the organization.

Despite losses of 101 games in 2023, a modern major-league record of 121 in 2024, and 102 last season, the White Sox have demonstrated remarkable resurgence and resilience.