The Chicago White Sox continued to demonstrate their potential as a playoff contender with a 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field. The win improved Chicago’s record to 4-1 during an abbreviated six-game homestand against formidable opponents, exceeding expectations that had projected a .500 performance at best.

The White Sox entered the series facing top-tier teams including the division-leading Atlanta Braves and the Dodgers, and many anticipated those matchups would highlight the gap between Chicago and established contenders. Instead, the Sox have consistently remained competitive, challenging doubts about their ability to maintain a winning trajectory.

Shortstop Colson Montgomery, who contributed a key home run in a six-run sixth inning, emphasized that the team should no longer be seen as an underdog. “It doesn’t matter what team it is, we’re going to go out there and just try to play our ball,” Montgomery said. “I think those days are kind of over.” His homer was one of three that helped propel the White Sox’s offensive surge during the critical sixth inning.

Chicago’s pitching strategy in the game also reflected their adaptability, employing two openers before usual starter Erick Fedde took the mound in the fourth inning. Fedde pitched 2⅔ innings, the longest relief appearance among the five pitchers used, in what effectively became a bullpen game. Fedde, who experienced the team’s struggles in the 2024 season, has shown improvement as part of Chicago’s evolving staff.

Looking ahead, the White Sox face another challenge against another first-place club, the New York Yankees, later in the week. With their recent performance, Chicago is increasingly regarded as a serious postseason threat rather than a team merely gaining experience from facing elite competition. Their ability to compete and win against high-caliber teams has shifted the narrative surrounding the franchise this season.