MLBSep 25
White Sox clinch historic playoff berth with AL Central still in reach
Chicago routed Kansas City 9-1 to secure an American League wild-card spot, completing a remarkable turnaround after consecutive 100-loss seasons.
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A breakthrough in Kansas City
The White Sox are headed back to the postseason after a turnaround without precedent in major league history. Their 9-1 victory over Kansas City on Thursday delivered win No. 82 and guaranteed at least an American League wild-card berth. Chicago became the first team to reach the playoffs immediately after consecutive 100-loss seasons. The club had absorbed 324 losses over the previous three seasons, including 102 last year. The immediate reaction at Kauffman Stadium was restrained: a handshake line on the field before celebrations took over the visiting clubhouse. For manager Will Venable’s team, the postseason breakthrough still leaves another prize within reach.
Power and trade returns fuel the rise
A 6-13 start offered little indication of what Chicago would become. Its emerging hitters helped change the trajectory. Munetaka Murakami has hit 33 home runs and drove in his 74th run Thursday. Miguel Vargas also has 33 homers, along with 92 RBIs, while Colson Montgomery has contributed 31 homers and 87 RBIs. The Garrett Crochet trade also supplied important pieces. Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Braden Montgomery were all in Thursday’s lineup. Teel homered, reached base five times and scored three runs, while Meidroth extended his on-base streak to 15 games. Montgomery added a hit and scored during Chicago’s three-run second inning.
Division race remains open
Chicago entered Thursday a game behind Cleveland in the AL Central. The White Sox return home for three games against last-place Colorado, while the Guardians finish their regular season in Kansas City after concluding their series in Boston. The celebration also stretched across Chicago. The Cubs beat Miami 2-1 to secure an NL wild-card berth, marking the first time both city rivals clinched postseason places on the same day.
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