White Sox Sweep Astros, End 21-Year Drought

The Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros in their American League Wild Card Series, winning Game 1 by 6-3 and Game 2 by 7-3 to advance to the Division Series. The victory marked the franchise’s first postseason series win since it beat Houston in the 2005 World Series. Before the opener, Pope Leo XIV—a lifelong White Sox fan raised on Chicago’s South Side—sent the team a letter offering encouragement and blessings. The playoff run has capped an unexpected turnaround after the White Sox set an MLB record with 121 losses two seasons earlier, bringing fans back and boosting attendance and television ratings. The team also drew attention for a Pope-themed promotional giveaway, including 40,000 Sox-branded papal hats.