Sixth-Inning Surge Defines Outcome
Houston Astros delivered an eight-run offensive explosion in the sixth inning to defeat the Chicago White Sox 9-5 at Rate Field on Friday, July 24, 2026. The dramatic inning turned a one-run deficit into a commanding lead, ultimately securing the win for the visiting team.
The White Sox controlled the early game, building a 5-0 lead by the middle of the fifth inning. Chicago scored in the first through a sacrifice fly by C. Montgomery, a single by B. Montgomery, and a hit-by-pitch to Meidroth.
The White Sox added two more runs in the fifth, including two scores on wild pitches by Houston pitcher Kai-Wei Teng and a double by Meidroth.
Walker and Smith Spark Comeback
Houston began chipping away at the deficit in the bottom of the sixth. Wade Jr. singled to right, driving in Alvarez to make it 1-5. The inning turned on a doubled play by Walker, who drove in three runs to take the lead at 4-5.
Smith followed with a home run to left, extending the advantage to 6-5. Altuve reached on an infield single, adding another run, and Wade Jr. walked to bring in a fifth run in the frame, making it 8-5.
