The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians faced a long rain delay, lasting 2 hours and 23 minutes, right before the second inning on Sunday at Rate Field. When play resumed, the Sox brought in Hagen Smith, their first-round 2024 draft pick, to pitch. Smith shared, “It was definitely different. I didn’t really know I was going in until about an hour into the delay, then they said I was going in and it sounded good to me. So I just went from there.” He performed admirably, striking out three batters while conceding four walks during two scoreless innings of his major-league debut, helping the Sox secure a 5-3 win in front of 31,263 fans.
Colson Montgomery played a key role by hitting a decisive three-run home run in the third inning, contributing to a four-run score for the Sox. This victory allowed the Sox to win two out of three games in the crucial series. After this victory, the first-place Sox hold a 61-56 record, 3.5 games ahead of the second-place Detroit Tigers in the American League Central standings. The Guardians and Minnesota Twins are both four games back, trailing at 58-61.
Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery was batting as the rain began to fall in the first inning of the game. The Sox exceeded their previous season’s win total of 60-102. Manager Will Venable expressed satisfaction with their progress, stating, “It signals progress for us. Obviously, we have a long way to go here. But certainly happy about where we’re at now knowing that, yeah, we’ve gone through some stuff here and have continued to push through and just get better and better. And obviously getting our 61st win today and surpassing last year is evidence of that.” Smith found out he was credited with the win upon returning to the clubhouse and remarked, “That was kind of cool.”
The rain delay led to both teams relying on their bullpens for the game. Smith, having received his first opportunity, was called up alongside fellow prospect Tanner McDougal from Triple-A Charlotte before Saturday’s game. In exchange, pitchers Noah Schultz and David Sandlin were optioned to Charlotte, and pitcher Wikelman González was designated for assignment. Smith received a warm reception from the crowd as he headed to the dugout after his warm-up session.
Smith entered the game with the Sox trailing 2-1. The Sox had scored once in the bottom of the first, following two runs by the Guardians against starter Davis Martin. Sox lead-off batter Brenton Doyle initiated the scoring, singling, stealing second, and scoring on a double by Munetaka Murakami. Miguel Vargas contributed with a double, but the Guardians pitcher Joey Cantillo responded by striking out the next three Sox batters, limiting them to just one run. Rain arrived before the second inning.
Venable commented on the unforeseen weather, “From MLB’s forecasts and from our forecast, it was clear. And so obviously it wasn’t and ended up not being. Obviously things changed quickly here. Really disappointing that that happened. It just puts both teams in a really tough spot. Can’t control the weather. I thought they did everything they could to make sure we were good to go.” The delay removed both starting pitchers, allowing Smith to replace for the Sox and Tim Herrin for the Guardians. Smith managed to contain Brayan Rocchio, the first batter he faced, with a strikeout. Though he walked Patrick Bailey, he struck out the next two hitters, closing the inning without conceding a run.
In the third inning, the Guardians filled the bases with walks, but Smith skillfully concluded the inning, getting Rocchio to line out to Vargas at third base. Venable reflected on Smith’s challenging debut, “You have these plans to get these young guys a nice soft landing spot. Second inning after a rain delay is not something that I don’t think he’s done before, and so a challenging situation. And then as his outing unfolded, and he was challenged there in his second inning with the bases loaded. It was a really good test for him, and obviously he came through.” In the bottom of the third, the Sox capitalized on their opportunity. Vargas drew a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a double by Randal Grichuk, tying the score. Braden Montgomery walked, setting up Colson Montgomery to deliver his 26th home run of the season over the right-field wall.
This three-run homer shifted the lead decisively to 5-2 in favor of the Sox. Venable commented on Montgomery’s performance, “Big swing by Colson. I think he needed that. Been a tough stretch for him here over the last little bit. But that’s what he’s got in there. You know that he’s dangerous every time he’s out there, obviously that was a really big swing for us, and it was a difference in the game.”
The Sox bullpen, comprising Sean Newcomb, Huascar Brazobán, Bryan Hudson, Jordan Hicks, and Trevor Richards ensured the lead was maintained. Richards recorded one run in his inning, securing his first save of the season. This marked a record of 6-7 over a thirteen-game period against teams such as the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Guardians.
Colson Montgomery emphasized the importance of these games, noting their impact on the team’s standings, “These games are big games. Not just for now, but later into September. So, getting two games (in the series) was big.”