White Sox sweep Astros in ALWC Game 2 to clinch series

Early Surge Sets Tone

The Chicago White Sox secured a decisive 7-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Daikin Park. This win completed a 2-0 series sweep in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series, eliminating Houston from the postseason. The away team dominated early, scoring four runs in the first inning to establish a lead they never relinquished. Attendance at the venue reached 36,015 as the White Sox advanced to the next round.

Scoring Breakdown

Chicago took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Teel singled to right field, allowing Antonacci to score. The advantage grew quickly as Benintendi singled to center, scoring Teel and advancing Vargas to third. Vargas subsequently scored on a throwing error by center fielder Spence, while Benintendi moved to second. Peters then singled to right, bringing home Benintendi for the fourth run. Houston responded with a solo home run by Peña to left center, cutting the deficit to 4-1. The Astros added two more runs in the second and fourth innings. Smith homered to left in the second, and Altuve hit a solo shot to left in the fourth, bringing Houston within one run. However, the White Sox extended their lead in the sixth inning. Meidroth homered to left, driving in Acuña and Peters to make the score 7-3. This was the final run of the game.

Pitching Performance

The White Sox pitching staff limited Houston to three earned runs. Sean Burke started, pitching four innings while allowing four hits and three earned runs, striking out eight batters. Huascar Brazoban pitched one-third of an inning, allowing one hit and no earned runs. Anthony Kay recorded the win, pitching two-thirds of an inning with one walk and no hits. Jordan Hicks and Erick Fedde each pitched two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out three batters each. For Houston, Hunter Brown took the loss after pitching two-thirds of an inning, allowing five hits and three earned runs. AJ Blubaugh, Peter Lambert, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader made up the relief staff, with Hader recording the final out. The White Sox improved their record to 84-78, while the Astros finished at 81-81.

Sources

ESPN