Chicago's Guaranteed Rate Field saw a dramatic turnaround on Sunday as the White Sox edged the Cleveland Guardians 5-3, thanks to a pivotal third-inning rally capped by Colson Montgomery's 26th home run of the season. The three-run blast, which sailed over the right-field wall, turned a 2-2 tie into a 5-2 lead that Chicago managed to hold despite a late push from Cleveland.

The game started under ominous skies, with a rain delay of 2 hours and 23 minutes interrupting play after the first inning. At that point, the Guardians held a 2-1 advantage, having scored twice off Chicago starter Davis Martin. Both managers opted to replace their initial pitchers when action resumed—Martin for the White Sox and Joey Cantillo for Cleveland.

Entering in the second inning, White Sox left-hander Hagen Smith made his major league debut. The 22-year-old rookie showed poise, tossing two scoreless innings and earning the win. However, he found himself in a jam in the third, loading the bases with walks before Brayan Rocchio lined out to third base to end the threat. Smith's performance was a bright spot for a Chicago team that has relied heavily on its bullpen this season.

The White Sox offense came alive in the bottom of the third. After Cleveland lefty Tim Herrin took over for Cantillo, Chicago's lineup began to chip away. Munetaka Murakami doubled to drive in a run, tying the game at 2. Moments later, Randal Grichuk followed with a double down the left-field line, scoring another run to give Chicago the lead. Then, with two outs, Montgomery stepped to the plate and crushed a cutter from reliever Craig Yoho, sending it deep to right field. The three-run homer put the White Sox ahead 5-2, a lead they would not relinquish.

Yoho (2-1) struggled mightily, allowing four runs on two hits and four walks while recording only one out. The loss dropped Cleveland to 58-61, their fifth defeat in six games. Steven Kwan managed two hits for the Guardians and extended his on-base streak to 25 games, tying Murakami, who also reached base safely in his 25th consecutive contest. That streak is the longest active run in the majors.

Chicago's bullpen, which used six relievers in total, worked to preserve the lead. Trevor Richards entered in the ninth inning and gave up a run on two walks and a sacrifice fly by José Ramirez, but he held on to earn his third career save and first this season. The victory pushed the White Sox to 61-60, marking one more win than their entire 2025 campaign (60-102), when they finished last in the American League. This season's turnaround has been remarkable, and they now sit comfortably atop the AL Central.

Looking ahead, the Guardians will travel to Detroit to face the Tigers on Tuesday, with right-hander Tanner Bibee (4-11, 3.85 ERA) taking the mound against Drew Anderson (4-4, 4.01). The White Sox, meanwhile, will host the Cincinnati Reds, sending righty Sean Burke (7-6, 3.08 ERA) to face left-hander Nick Lodolo (3-2, 4.60). Both teams will be eager to build on their current momentum as the playoff race heats up.