Chicago White Sox Sweep Houston Astros to Reach ALDS
The Chicago White Sox secured their advance to the American League Division Series by defeating the Houston Astros 7-3 at Daikin Park. The victory marks the franchise’s first postseason series win since the 2005 World Series sweep against the same Houston organization. Chicago controlled the game from the opening inning with a four-run rally off starting pitcher Hunter Brown, capitalizing on early defensive miscues by Houston.
Following three consecutive seasons with over 100 losses, the 2026 Chicago squad completed a two-game sweep of the Wild Card Series. The team now advances to face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. Cleveland secured the American League Central division title by a single game over Chicago, earning home-field advantage despite the White Sox winning the regular-season head-to-head series 7-6.
Chicago Scores Four Runs in First Inning
Chicago established an early advantage in the first frame by manufacturing four runs against Hunter Brown. Sam Antonacci opened the sequence with a line-drive double to left field that eluded Yordan Álvarez. Kyle Teel drove in the game’s first run with a single.
Additional defensive errors compounded Houston’s early deficit. A fielding miscue by third baseman Nick Allen allowed Miguel Vargas to reach safely, and an errant throw to home plate by outfielder Lucas Spence permitted further scoring. Tristan Peters capped the opening frame with an RBI single to establish a commanding early lead for the visitors.
Houston Hits Three Solo Home Runs
Houston attempted to claw back into the contest through solo home runs against White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke. Jeremy Peña, Cam Smith, and José Altuve each launched solo shots, with Altuve’s blast representing his 28th postseason home run. Burke recorded eight strikeouts across four innings of work.
The Astros mounted a significant threat in the fifth inning by loading the bases against relief pitcher Anthony Kay. However, Kay induced a flyout from Álvarez and subsequently retired Altuve on a fly ball, neutralizing the bases-loaded threat without allowing a run.
Chase Meidroth Seals the Series in the Sixth
Any remaining momentum for a Houston comeback dissolved in the top of the sixth inning. Chase Meidroth connected on a three-run home run to straightaway center field, pushing Chicago’s lead to 7-3 and effectively clinching the series sweep. José Altuve finished the game 2-for-4 with a home run, an RBI, and a run scored for Houston, while Luisangel Acuña appeared as a pinch-runner, going 0-for-1 with a run scored.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Series
When did the Chicago White Sox last win a postseason series prior to 2026?
The franchise last won a postseason series in 2005, when they swept the Houston Astros in four games to claim the World Series title.
Who will the Chicago White Sox play in the American League Division Series?
Chicago travels to face the Cleveland Guardians in a best-of-five series after Cleveland claimed the AL Central division title by a single game.
How did the regular season series finish between Chicago and Cleveland?
The White Sox won the regular-season head-to-head series against the Guardians with a 7-6 record.
The White Sox return to the ALDS 21 years after their last postseason series victory, which also came against Houston in 2005.
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