Colson Montgomery's 26th homer, a three-run shot, capped Chicago's four-run third inning and the White Sox held on to beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-3 on Sunday.
The White Sox' four-run third inning proved to be the decisive factor in the game. Montgomery's three-run homer capped the inning, which was highlighted by doubles from Munetaka Murakami and Randal Grichuk that brought in runs.
The game was delayed by rain for 2 hours, 23 minutes, after the first inning with the Guardians ahead 2-1. Both managers replaced their starters when play resumed.
White Sox left-hander Hagen Smith made his major league debut in the second inning, tossing two scoreless innings for the win. However, he walked the bases loaded in the third before Brayan Rocchio lined out to third to end the threat.
Cleveland lefty Tim Herrin entered in the bottom of the second, followed by Craig Yoho with two outs in the third. Yoho allowed four runs on two hits and four walks while getting only one out.
The White Sox' win increased their AL Central lead to 3 1/2 games over second-place Detroit. Cleveland and Minnesota fell four games back.
Trevor Richards, the sixth Chicago reliever, allowed a run in the ninth on two walks and José Ramirez's sacrifice fly, but earned his third career save and first this season.
Brenton Doyle had two hits to help Chicago win its 61st game, one more than in 2025 when the team finished last in the American League at 60-102.
Steven Kwan had two hits for the Guardians (58-61), who lost for the fifth time in six games. Kwan and Murakami extended their on-base streaks to 25 games, tied for the longest active run in the majors.
The White Sox will face the Cincinnati Reds next, with RHP Sean Burke starting against LHP Nick Lodolo on Tuesday in Chicago.
Source: Yahoo Sports