White Sox Miss AL Central Crown as Martin Struggles Early

Chicago needed a win to keep its division hopes alive but fell to Colorado. Davis Martin recorded only two outs in the first inning, allowing three runs, two earned, on three hits and a walk. Cleveland's win later eliminated the White Sox from the AL Central race, sending them toward a Wild Card matchup.

Chicago entered needing a victory to remain in the AL Central race, but Colorado won 9-6. Davis Martin lasted only two outs in the first, yielding three runs—two earned—on three hits and a walk after an early missed catch error. Noah Schultz then allowed two solo homers over 3.1 innings. Cleveland’s later victory officially removed Chicago from the division chase, though the club had already secured a playoff berth and will travel west for a Wild Card series.

The offense managed eight hits against the Rockies, who own baseball’s worst record, and went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position while leaving eight aboard. Colson Montgomery’s pinch-hit double play stalled a key chance, and Andrew Benintendi’s ninth-inning three-run homer came too late. Chicago plans to rest regulars Sunday, with Anthony Kay opposing Kyle Freeland in a game without playoff implications.

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