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Unlikely hero Braden Montgomery comes through for White Sox as they rally to take 2-0 ALDS lead vs. Guardians

The Chicago White Sox defied statistical odds in Game 2 of the ALDS, rallying from a 2-1 deficit in the sixth inning to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Cleveland Guardians. The turning point came when rookie outfielder Braden Montgomery stepped up to bat against left-handed reliever Erik Sabrowski, despite his historically poor performance against left-handed pitching this season (.129 batting average in 103 right-handed plate appearances).

With runners on second and third, Montgomery crushed a first-pitch fastball into right field, driving in two runs and sparking the White Sox’s late surge. The play capped a chaotic inning where Cleveland’s starter, Gavin Williams, was pulled after allowing a leadoff single to Miguel Vargas, and Sabrowski’s struggles against right-handed hitters—including Montgomery—became a liability.

Manager Will Venable’s strategic pinch-hitting decisions, including deploying Montgomery despite his perceived weakness, paid off as the White Sox capitalized on the Guardians’ bullpen vulnerabilities in a high-stakes postseason moment.

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