White Sox pounce early in tone-setting victory over Astros: Can they finish the job?

The Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 6-3 in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series on Tuesday in Houston. Chicago capitalized early with three runs over the first two innings against Houston relievers AJ Blubaugh and Bryan King. Shortstop Colson Montgomery ended a prolonged hitting slump by hitting a 432-foot solo home run off Miguel Ullola in the fourth inning to extend Chicago's lead.

Rookie left-hander Hagen Smith set the defensive tone for Chicago's bullpen day, pitching three innings of two-hit ball while neutralizing Houston star Yordan Alvarez. Reliever Jordan Hicks provided key middle relief as the White Sox pitching staff held Houston to six total hits, moving Chicago within one win of advancing.