HOUSTON -- After three straight 100-loss seasons, the Chicago White Sox signaled that even playoff moments aren't too big for this bunch. Five pitchers stymied a Houston Astros offense led by presumptive MVP favorite Yordan Alvarez as the White Sox seized the advantage in the AL wild-card series with a 6-3 Game 1 win on Tuesday.

The group effort from Chicago's pitchers featured three scoreless frames from rookie Hagen Smith and 2⅓ innings at the end from flamethrowing righty Grant Taylor. Smith allowed just two hits and retired Alvarez twice on grounders, including a key third-inning double play. "It was cool just to get the opportunity to go out there and do that," Smith said.

Chicago's offense drew three first-inning walks against Astros opener AJ Blubaugh and scored on Munetaka Murakami's sacrifice fly. Sam Antonacci lashed a key two-run single in the second, while shortstop Colson Montgomery hit a 432-foot homer to center field.

For the Astros, it was a lackluster showing full of command issues and an unusual error. "Oh, the message is clear: We got to win tomorrow," Astros manager Joe Espada said. "I don't need to tell them that. They know."