White Sox Secure Commanding Lead in AL Division Series with Win Over Guardians

Braden Montgomery wanted something to target. The Chicago White Sox right fielder faced a crucial at-bat in the sixth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians. With runners on second and third and two outs, and his team trailing by one run, Montgomery was ready for the challenge. “I wasn’t guessing,” Montgomery said. “Prepared for Erik Sabrowski’s best pitches and something over the plate. They attacked me early, so I had to be ready.”

Montgomery delivered with a two-run opposite-field double, giving the Sox the lead. He later scored on a single by Chase Meidroth. The Sox held on for a 4-3 victory in front of 32,050 fans at Progressive Field.

Pitcher Sean Burke contributed 5 1/3 effective innings, with Grant Taylor securing the final four outs. This win granted the Sox a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Game 3 is set for Wednesday at Rate Field.

The Sox faced an early 2-0 deficit. Nathaniel Lowe’s high bouncer with loaded bases and one out put Cleveland ahead. Reliever Sean Newcomb’s throw to first went astray, allowing both Steven Kwan and José Ramírez to score. It marked the first time the Sox trailed this postseason.

In the fourth inning, the Sox offense showed life. Kyle Teel singled, marking the team’s first hit against Guardians starter Gavin Williams. Miguel Vargas walked, and Munetaka Murakami followed with a single, scoring Teel to narrow the gap to 2-1. Williams limited further damage but exited after Vargas singled in the sixth. Vargas moved to second on a groundout, and a wild pitch advanced both runners. Pinch hitter Randal Grichuk walked, setting the stage for Montgomery’s decisive double.

“I can’t even describe the energy in that moment,” Montgomery said. “Seeing the ball land and knowing teammates will score was thrilling. Touching the bag, looking back at my teammates, it’s unmatched.”

Venable was pleased with Montgomery’s performance. “Incredible swing,” Venable said. “He used the opposite field effectively. That was a pivotal at-bat.” Montgomery then scored on Meidroth’s single, making it 4-2.

Burke starred for the Sox’s pitching, yielding just one run and one hit with six strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. “I felt good tonight,” he said. “The game plan worked, and I executed well.” Burke retired 13 straight at one point. “It was impressive,” Venable remarked on Burke’s outing.

After Burke’s exit, Grant Taylor took over, fresh from his four-inning save in Game 1. “I felt good after warm-ups,” Taylor said. He allowed a run-scoring triple from Jo Adell in the eighth, bringing the score to 4-3, but recovered in the ninth. Center fielder Brenton Doyle’s spectacular catch at the wall ended the game.

“You worry momentarily, but then you see it’s Brenton Doyle,” Montgomery said. “If anyone can secure it, it’s him.”

The catch sealed the win, setting the stage for a potential series clincher at home. “Regardless of outcome here, it’s exciting to bring playoff baseball to our fans,” Venable said. “The support from fans, both home and away, has been incredible for our team.”