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Astros deliver dud in bullpen game battle vs. White Sox

Rookie left-hander Hagen Smith delivered three scoreless innings in his debut postseason start to help the Chicago White Sox secure a 6-3 victory over the Houston Astros during Game 1 of their American League wild-card series. Smith surrendered only two hits and checked top hitters like Yordan Alvarez while anchoring a successful bullpen strategy that placed Chicago one win away from advancing.

Meanwhile, the Astros struggled defensively after rookie opener AJ Blubaugh failed to survive the first inning, forcing the home team to cycle through eight different pitchers as frustrated fans voiced their displeasure from the stands. Jordan Hicks, Sean Newcomb, David Sandlin, and closer Grant Taylor bridged the gap for the visitors, with Taylor managing key outs under pressure in the eighth frame to extinguish a potential Houston comeback.

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