Full Breakdown
White Sox Stun Mets with Walk-Off Homer on Elvis Night
8/22/2026, 11:45:37 AM
Game Overview
Friday night’s opening contest of the three-game series at Guaranteed Rate Field was delayed about 20 minutes because of an approaching rain shower. The game, scheduled to start around 7 p.m., featured the White Sox versus the Mets. Both starting pitchers—Sean Burke for Chicago (7-6, 3.15 ERA) and Sean Manaea for New York (4-5, 4.22 ERA)—began with scoreless innings. The Mets built a 4-0 lead, but Chicago rallied in the sixth, tying the game at 4-4. Jake Rogers delivered a two-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth, giving the White Sox a 6-4 victory.
Background & Context
The series opened on “Elvis Night,” a promotional event that traditionally includes a parachute-drop opening ceremony. A rain delay was announced shortly after 6 p.m., pushing the first pitch back by roughly 20 minutes. The game also marked the return of former White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who had been traded to the Mets in January. Both clubs entered the series with contrasting recent form: the White Sox held a 3½-game AL Central lead, while the Mets were 58-70 and had won five of their last six.
Pitching Duel – Numbers
- Sean Burke: 7 innings, 3 runs (2 earned), 6 hits, 5 walks, 8 strikeouts; season line 7-6, 3.15 ERA, 3.44 FIP.
- Sean Manaea: 6 innings, 4 runs (all earned), 6 hits, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts; season line 4-5, 4.22 ERA, 4.27 FIP.
Both pitchers kept the game close through the first five innings. Chicago’s offense supplied three back-to-back-to-back homers (Miguel Vargas, Randal Grichuk, Colson Montgomery) in the sixth to erase the Mets’ lead.
Key Moments
- Sixth Inning: Vargas’ two-run shot cut the Mets’ advantage to 4-2; Grichuk and Montgomery each added solo homers to knot the score.
- Ninth Inning: After Montgomery walked, a sacrifice bunt moved the runner to second. Jake Rogers faced Mets left-hander Jefry Yan and hit a two-run, 400-plus-foot homer on a 98-mph fastball, ending the game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was throwing more sweepers than I was [earlier],” — Sean Manaea
- “This team is incredible and they have a lot of fun, which I love,” — Jake Rogers
What’s Next
The series continues on Saturday with Chicago starter Christian Scott (4-3, 3.51 ERA) facing Mets right-hander Luis Castillo (4-9, 4.99 ERA). The outcome of that matchup will determine whether the White Sox can extend their lead in the AL Central or see the Mets claw back momentum.
