Full Breakdown
White Sox Overcome Rain Delay to Edge Angels 8-7 in Seventh-Inning Rally
4/28/2026, 12:35:03 PM
Rain-Delayed Game Ends in Dramatic 8-7 White Sox Victory
On April 27, 2026, the Chicago White Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels 8-7 at Rate Field after a three-hour rain delay pushed the start to roughly 9:40 p.m. Central. The Sox trailed 5-1 entering the bottom of the seventh, then scored seven runs—including a three-run home run by Munetaka Murakami and a solo blast by Miguel Vargas—to take the lead. Reliever Osvaldo Bido earned the win; the Angels added two runs in the ninth before Bryan Hudson closed the game.
Background & Context
A forecast of heavy rain prompted the White Sox to announce a delay before the scheduled 6:40 p.m. start. Despite calls from some observers to postpone or schedule a doubleheader, the clubs elected to continue the night-time contest. The game also unfolded under a roster shake-up: left-fielder Tanner Murray had suffered a dislocated left shoulder with a fracture, sidelining him for four-to-six months, while outfielder Austin Hays was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte after a hamstring strain.
Key Figures & Groups
- Munetaka Murakami (White Sox, DH) – three-run homer, league-leading 12 HRs.
- Miguel Vargas (White Sox, OF) – go-ahead solo homer.
- Austin Hays (White Sox, OF) – returned from IL, .219 average, 1 HR, 6 RBI in nine games.
- Tanner Murray (White Sox, OF/IF) – injured, placed on 10-day IL.
- Will Venable (White Sox manager) – provided injury updates and lineup strategy.
- Drew Pomeranz (Angels, LHP) – surrendered Murakami’s homer.
Timeline
- Pre-game: White Sox announce rain delay; start pushed to ~9:40 p.m. (Jeff Fletcher tweet).
- 7th inning: Sam Antonacci reaches on error; Chase Meidroth bunt single; RBI single by Tristan Peters; Andrew Benintendi double; Murakami three-run homer; Vargas solo homer.
- 8th inning: Angels load bases, Grant Taylor limits damage.
- 9th inning: Angels score twice; Bryan Hudson retires final batter.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: White Sox 8, Angels 7.
- Seventh-inning runs: 7 (most by Sox this season).
- Murakami: league-leading 12 HRs.
- Hays: 7-game line – .219/.242/.344, 1 HR, 6 RBI.
- Murray (pre-injury): 13 games, .214, 1 HR, 3 RBI.
Why It Matters / Impact
The comeback gave Chicago its first win of the series and restored offensive momentum after a cold stretch. Murray’s loss reduces outfield flexibility, while Hays’ return adds power to a group tied for 19th in MLB home runs. Manager Venable must now juggle left-handed Antonacci, right-handed Hays, and center-field options as the Sox head into a weekend series against the San Diego Padres.
Official Statements & Responses
- The White Sox issued a pre-game notice that “the contest would be delayed due to approaching storms and heavy rain.”
- Manager Venable said the team will “ease Hays back into the lineup” and emphasized that Murray’s injury “is significant… he’ll have surgery and be out four to six months.”
- Venable also noted that “we can’t just jump right in to playing every day out there for nine innings” regarding Hays’ rehab.
Criticism & Opposition
Some fans and analysts argued the teams should have postponed the game or scheduled a doubleheader, citing the “constant rain” forecast and the risk of further delays. The clubs rejected that suggestion, opting to play once conditions permitted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Start-time estimates varied: NBC Chicago listed the original 6:40 p.m. start, while Halo Hangout and a Jeff Fletcher tweet projected a 9:40 p.m. CT kickoff. No definitive start-time was confirmed before the delay ended.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s one of our experienced guys, our veteran guys, that has been through every situation out there that our guys lean on for advice and wisdom.” — Will Venable, White Sox manager
- “He’ll be out four to six months, and hopefully it’s on the quicker end.” — Will Venable, White Sox manager
- “‘‘I don’t even remember doing that,’’ Murray said about 24 hours later.” — Tanner Murray, White Sox outfielder
- “First pitch estimated for 9:40 pm CT (7:40 pm PT) — Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) April 28, 2026 Angels vs.” — Jeff Fletcher, reporter (Twitter)
- “Still working, running today and hitting today,” — Will Venable, White Sox manager
What’s Next
The Sox will close the three-game series with the Angels on Tuesday night before traveling west for a weekend series against the San Diego Padres. Austin Hays is slated to start against left-hander Yusei Kikuchi in Game 3, while the club monitors Murray’s recovery timeline.
