White Sox strike first in AL wild card, beating Astros 6-3 in Game 1

The Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 6-3 in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series on Tuesday, marking their first playoff appearance since 2021. Colson Montgomery hit a solo home run and Sam Antonacci drove in two runs, leading the White Sox to a 3-0 lead after two innings. The Astros, who had an 81-81 record this season and reached the postseason without a winning record, managed to cut the White Sox's lead to 3-3 in the eighth inning, with Jeremy Peña and Yordan Alvarez contributing to the rally.

Houston's bullpen allowed the White Sox to maintain their lead, as they secured their first playoff win since October 10, 2021. The Astros' starting pitcher, AJ Blubaugh, recorded a tough outing, walking two batters and making an error that led to runners on first and third with one out in the first inning. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday in Houston, with Houston's Hunter Brown set to start.