The Chicago White Sox used a major league-leading 11 bullpen games en route to their first postseason appearance since 2021. Manager Will Venable started five pitchers combined for a three-hitter and struck out 12 as the White Sox beat the Guardians 3-0. Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run homer and Colson Montgomery added an RBI double.
Grant Taylor became the sixth pitcher in MLB postseason history to work at least four innings and pick up a save. Cleveland had the bases loaded with two outs in the third and fourth innings but couldn't score. The Guardians won their third straight AL Central title by one game over the White Sox.
Game 2 is Monday at Progressive Field, with Game 3 in Chicago on Wednesday. Stephen Vogt said his team 'fought and battled' despite being shut out. The series shifts to Chicago for Game 3 on Wednesday.
Bryan Hudson (1-0) relieved starter Hagen Smith and got Chase De Lauter to line out with the bases loaded in the third.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing