The Chicago White Sox were never supposed to be here. A team that lost 102 games a season ago and would’ve considered a 75-win season a success heading into the year now finds themselves in a position that outside evaluators never thought possible. But those within the organization always knew what this team was capable of. Wednesday night’s 7-3 victory over the Astros prompted the White Sox’ second champagne celebration in as many weeks, and the team secured their first Postseason series victory in more than 20 years. With a young, hungry roster and the momentum on their side, the White Sox will head to Cleveland confident that they can make a deep run this October.
General Manager Chris Getz, speaking with reporters in Houston following the game, certainly hasn’t wavered in his confidence about the team’s chances in Cleveland.
“We can beat Cleveland,” Getz said. “We have proven we can. But they are definitely a team that has been here before and we respect them, and it’s going to be a really good series”
Chris Getz isn’t wrong in his assessment on either front. The White Sox won the season series against Cleveland, albeit a 7-6 margin isn’t exactly dominating. They went 3-4 in Cleveland and 4-2 at home, so they’ve proven they can win games in either ballpark. The Guardians, despite their youth, are the more experienced team. They’ve won three-straight AL Central titles, and the White Sox haven’t reached the Postseason in five years. These are two teams that are very familiar with each other and aren’t fans of each other. I expect a ton of fireworks and a true dogfight next week.
The White Sox will continue to play the unconventional brand of baseball they've played all year
The White Sox have not yet announced who will tow the rubber to start the series, but Davis Martin did not pitch against Houston and should be rested up to start Game 1. Sean Burke could then start Game 2 on regular rest, and the White Sox could deploy their choice of Anthony Kay, Erick Fedde, or David Sandlin in Game 3. It’s also very possible the White Sox go the unconventional route and use openers, as they have all season long. The Guardians, much like Houston, have hit right-handers much better than left-handers, so the White Sox may try to create favorable matchups against left-handed hitters as much as possible.
Game 1: Parker Messick
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) October 1, 2026
Game 2: Gavin Williams
For the Guardians, it’ll be Parker Messick in Game 1, who has done well against the White Sox lineup all season. The team is 1-3 in games started by Messick and haven’t scored more than three runs against him. In Game 2, the Guardians will turn to Gavin Williams. The White Sox are 3-1 in games he’s started, Both had terrific years for the Guardians and will not be an easy matchup for Chicago by any means. We’ll see what kind of plan Will Venable and the coaching staff come up with.
Enjoy the days off, White Sox fans, because a big series awaits. The White Sox, as they have been all year, are confident that they can win. Why shouldn’t we be as well?
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