Full Breakdown
Sam Antonacci's Walk-Off Secures White Sox Victory Over Guardians
6/24/2026, 12:27:33 AM
Game Overview
On Monday night at Rate Field, the Chicago White Sox rallied from a 5-4 deficit to beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-5. Rookie Sam Antonacci capped the comeback with a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth, delivering the White Sox’s sixth walk-off win of the season, tied for the league lead.
Context & Stakes
The win ended a three-game skid for Chicago, moving the team to 40-37 and tying Cleveland (41-38) for first place in the AL Central. The Guardians, who have dropped 11 of their last 16 games, entered the contest after a 15-17 recent edge over the Sox.
Key Contributors
Antonacci supplied the decisive hit. Anthony Kay threw six scoreless innings, striking out on a career-high 101 pitches. Guardians closer Cade Smith walked Braden Montgomery to start the rally. Chris Murphy earned the win and said he was ready to re-enter if the call were reversed. Crew chief Marvin Hudson upheld the call. Kyle Teel returned after a 76-game injury layoff. Reliever Seranthony Domínguez blew his fifth save in 17 chances.
Scoring Summary
Chicago took a 3-0 lead on Randall Grichuk’s leadoff pinch-hit homer (6th). Cleveland tied 3-3 in the seventh via Kahlil Watson’s two-run single off Glenn Taylor. The Guardians seized a 5-4 lead in the eighth on a Domínguez sacrifice fly. In the ninth, Braden Montgomery walked, Travis Bazzana reached on walk and stole, Patrick Bailey singled to tie, and Antonacci’s two-run single made it 6-5.
Impact
The win halted Chicago’s three-game skid and tied the AL Central lead, intensifying the race as both clubs chase postseason positioning.
Official Responses
Crew chief Marvin Hudson affirmed the replay review, confirming the safe call. Pitcher Chris Murphy said he stayed in the dugout ready to re-enter if the call were reversed, then felt confident after the review.
Opposition
Guardians players and fans challenged the safe call at first base, prompting a brief replay review. Domínguez’s appearance in the ninth drew loud boos from the crowd.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The call stands,” — Marvin Hudson, crew chief
- “because if they ended up overturning it, then I’m going back out for the 10th with a job to do. But after I saw the first replay, I knew he was safe.” — Chris Murphy, White Sox pitcher
- “you just have to be lucky.” — Unnamed man resembling Jerry Reinsdorf, elevator comment
- “I wouldn’t want it to speed up,” — Braden Montgomery, White Sox rookie
What’s Next
The Guardians will start left-hander Parker Messick (7-3, 2.70 ERA) Tuesday, while Chicago counters with right-hander Sean Burke (4-4, 3.89 ERA).
