Petey Halpin’s 3-run homer propels Guardians past White Sox and into 1st place in AL Central

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians gained first place in the AL Central with a 6-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, thanks to a three-run homer by Petey Halpin in the sixth inning. Parker Messick struck out eight White Sox batters in the game. Cleveland has a half-game lead over Chicago, who have dropped seven of nine and 12 of 17, ending their 74-game winning streak.

José Ramírez tied Nap Lajoie for second on the franchise’s career list with 424 doubles, and Jo Adell added a two-run single. Tommy Pham gave the White Sox a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning, but the Guardians answered with a four-run sixth. Cleveland had runners on base with two outs when Halpin hit Sean Newcomb’s high pitch into the right-field stands.

Jo Adell and Ramírez contributed a two-run single and an RBI double to seal the victory. Cade Smith, pitching for Chicago, allowed three runs in six innings before Anthony Kay finished the game.