Full Breakdown
Edgar Quero's Walk-Off Homer Caps White Sox Series Sweep Over Cubs
5/18/2026, 10:38:49 PM
Walk-Off Heroics: Quero's Extra-Inning Two-Run Blast
In the series finale at Guaranteed Rate Field, White Sox catcher Edgar Quero hit a walk-off two-run homer to lift Chicago to a 9-8 win. With two outs and Chase Meidroth on third, Quero faced Cubs reliever Ryan Rolison and drove a 95.5 mph fastball to center. ESPN places the blast in the 10th inning; another outlet reports it in the bottom of the ninth, creating a minor reporting discrepancy.
Series Background and White Sox Momentum
The win gave the White Sox their first series victory over the Cubs since 2022 and marked the first time since 2008 that both Chicago clubs entered a series with winning records. After three straight 100-loss seasons, the White Sox have risen above .500 in May and are chasing a playoff spot.
Key Contributors and Game Statistics
Tristan Peters delivered his first career three-run homer in the eighth off Phil Maton. Andrew Benintendi went 3-for-3 and Miguel Vargas added two RBIs. For Chicago, Michael Conforto matched the White Sox lead with a three-run ninth-inning homer, while Michael Busch’s 379-foot blast extended his on-base streak to 18 games. The White Sox hit ten homers in the series, raising their season total to 64, second in MLB behind the Yankees (67). The win came after a 7-2 homestand and before a sellout crowd of 38,608 watched the finale.
Significance for Chicago Teams
The walk-off cemented the White Sox’s momentum, ending a two-year series drought and bolstering a rebuilding club’s confidence. The Cubs, who have lost six of eight games this month, see the defeat as a reminder of their bullpen challenges.
Official Statements & Responses
Pitcher Erick Fedde highlighted the squad’s confidence, noting the team believes in its abilities. Manager Will Venable praised the home victory as a significant series win in front of the fans. Cubs manager Craig Counsell admitted the need for better bullpen performance and emphasized reliance on reliever Phil Maton.
Criticism & Opposition
Counsell criticized the Cubs’ bullpen, singling out Phil Maton’s 9.49 ERA and urging collective effort to improve.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ESPN lists the walk-off in the 10th inning; another source places it in the ninth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It feels amazing,” — Edgar Quero, White Sox catcher
- “Right away when I hit the ball, I knew it was going deep. I didn't know if it was a homer. I felt like it was good contact.” — Edgar Quero, White Sox catcher
- “We need better for sure. We're counting on Phil.” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
