White Sox invoke pope hats for fans and HR celebrations but can't hold on in extras vs. Reds

On a night when Pope Leo XIV lent his support, the Chicago White Sox made a grand spectacle for their fans with a pope hat giveaway during a home game against the Cincinnati Reds. The event unfolded at Guaranteed Rate Field, where the ballpark was transformed into a shrine to the pontiff, with roughly 40,000 pope hats distributed to the sold-out audience.

Fans donned the distinctive hats, donning a pious air as they entered the stadium, and even some took to the concourse for photographs. The White Sox took their cue from the occasion, with Sister Mary Joe Sobieck, a devoted fan, pitching the ceremonial first ball - a breaking pitch intended to spark the festivities. Sister Mary Jo Sobieck, who had previously made headlines for her strong first pitches, remained unhurt, conceding no runs in her outing.

As the game progressed, the pope hats found their way to the White Sox's dugout, where they became a central attraction during Brenton Doyle's first-inning home run, which gave the team an early 1-0 lead. The hats were also prominently featured during a performance by organist Nancy Faust, who donned pope-themed attire during her set behind the keys.

Despite the grand atmosphere, the White Sox's celebratory spirit was not enough to secure a victory as the Reds overcame a 4-0 deficit in the fourth inning to force extra innings. The turning point came in the top of the 10th, when Elly De La Cruz executed a sacrifice fly that sealed a 5-4 win for the Cincinnati Red, denying a hoped-for victory for the Pope-hat-clad White Sox.