The Chicago White Sox advanced to the American League Division Series by completing a 7-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday, sweeping their AL Wild Card Series. The win marked Chicago’s first playoff series triumph since defeating Houston in the 2005 World Series. The White Sox, led by second-year manager Will Venable, used a strong start highlighted by a three-run homer from Chase Meidroth in the first inning to build an early lead. The team, which had finished with 100 or more losses in each of the previous three seasons, made history as the only franchise to reach the playoffs immediately following consecutive 100-loss campaigns.

With their series win, the White Sox will face the AL Central champion Cleveland Guardians in the Division Series, which is scheduled to begin Saturday in Cleveland. The team also received a notable letter of support from Pope Leo ahead of their postseason run.

In the National League Wild Card Series, the Philadelphia Phillies extended their contest against the Atlanta Braves by winning a 4-2 game in 10 innings on the road Tuesday. Alec Bohm hit a two-out home run in the 10th inning, his third career postseason homer, to secure the victory and force a decisive Game 3. The Phillies erased a 3-1 deficit in the seventh inning with consecutive home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Harper’s homer was especially significant after he had committed a costly fielding error in the prior inning. Phillies starter Andrew Painter, who struggled to close games during the regular season, delivered three scoreless innings in relief, earning the win. Painter also stranded two runners in the 10th by striking out Dominic Smith, with an assist from a successful use of an ABS challenge. Notably, extra innings were played under traditional rules without the regular-season designated runner at second base.

Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres completed a sweep of the Chicago Cubs in their NL Wild Card Series with a 4-1 win in San Diego. Pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets hit a two-run homer as part of a strong offensive effort. The Padres’ pitching staff combined to limit the Cubs to five hits over the course of the game, securing the series victory and advancing the Padres further into the postseason.