The Chicago White Sox secured a win over the Cleveland Guardians despite a lengthy rain delay on Sunday at Rate Field. A two-hour and 23-minute pause in the game occurred just before the second inning, forcing both teams to rely heavily on their bullpens.
Smith’s Impressive Debut
When the game resumed, the White Sox introduced Hagen Smith, a first-round draft pick in 2024. Smith managed three strikeouts and four walks through two scoreless innings in his major-league debut, contributing to the Sox’s 5-3 win.
Reflecting on his unexpected entry, Smith said, “It was definitely different. I didn’t know I was going in until about an hour into the delay. But it sounded good to me, so I went from there.”
Smith’s efforts were acknowledged when he returned to the clubhouse, finding out he was credited with the win. “That was kind of cool,” he shared.
Montgomery’s Game-Changing Home Run
The White Sox capitalized on a four-run third inning, driven by Colson Montgomery’s decisive three-run home run. This effort helped the Sox clinch two of three games in the crucial series against the Guardians. Following this victory, the Sox led the American League Central with a 3 1/2 game advantage over the Detroit Tigers.
Montgomery emphasized the significance of such wins towards the latter stages of the season, saying, “These are big games, not just for now, but later into September. So, getting two games in the series was big.”
Progress and Challenges
Manager Will Venable recognized the team’s progress, noting that surpassing last season’s win total was a clear indicator of improvement. He said, “Obviously, we have a long way to go, but happy about where we’re at now. Getting our 61st win today and surpassing last year is evidence of that.”
Sunday’s game turned into a bullpen showdown, with both teams seeking solutions following the rain delay. The Sox adjusted their roster by calling up Smith and fellow pitching prospect Tanner McDougal from Triple-A Charlotte, while optioning Noah Schultz and David Sandlin to Charlotte and designating Wikelman González for assignment.
Weather Challenges
Manager Venable expressed frustration over the unexpected change in weather, saying, “From MLB’s forecasts and from our forecast, it was clear. And so obviously it wasn’t. It just puts both teams in a tough spot. Can’t control the weather. I thought they did everything they could to make sure we were good to go.”
Once play resumed, Smith entered with the Sox trailing 2-1 and delivered a solid performance under pressure. He faced a bases-loaded situation in the third inning and successfully resolved it with a line-out.
Concluding Period
Relievers Sean Newcomb, Huascar Brazobán, Bryan Hudson, Jordan Hicks, and Trevor Richards held the advantage throughout the game, ensuring a White Sox victory against the Guardians. Richards secured his first save of the season as the Sox concluded a challenging stretch against notable teams including the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, and Guardians.
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