White Sox Sweep Astros, Advance to Face Guardians

The Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros 2-0 in the American League Wild Card Series, clinching Wednesday with a 7-3 win, and will face the Cleveland Guardians in the Division Series starting Saturday. It was Chicago’s first postseason-series victory since its 2005 World Series championship, following three seasons of at least 100 losses. Before the series opener, Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and lifelong White Sox fan, sent chairman Jerry Reinsdorf a letter offering blessings and praising sport’s ability to foster friendship, solidarity and peace. Former President Barack Obama also celebrated the team’s postseason success.