Video Pope Leo XIV downplays role in White Sox playoff berth Pope Leo XIV was asked whether he had any divine influence on the Chicago White Sox's stunning 2026 season. The White Sox clinched their first playoff berth since 2021.
I've made a case in the past that it seems a bit unfair that you play 162 games only to have one postseason series given to you, and it's a best-of-three. I feel like there should be a minimum of five games for any playoff series. I understand travel concerns and other issues for this opening round, but it just feels too short. The only argument in favor would be that most regular-season series are three games; however, winning two of three in the regular season doesn't mean much. This afternoon, the White Sox look to close out the Astros in two games.
The Chicago White Sox, a team that had lost 100 or more games in each of the past three seasons, made the postseason this year. In fact, they've lost 324 games combined over the previous three seasons. Being in the playoffs should feel like an accomplishment, but winning a series would be even more impressive. They are on the verge of doing just that after a 6-3 victory over the Astros yesterday. The question now is if they can close it out against a team with significantly more experience than Chicago.
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Chicago White Sox pitcher Munetaka Murakami reacts during Game 1 of the Wild Card round of the 2026 MLB playoffs at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on Sept. 29, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Looking to give them that final game they need is Sean Burke. For the season, Burke went 11-7, posting a 3.34 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He also threw 185 strikeouts, and all of his numbers were first or better in the league. That means that he really should be considered an elite starter. Burke has been better on the road this season with a 2.58 ERA compared to a 3.86 home ERA. He faced Houston twice this season and allowed two earned runs over 11.2 innings of work.
Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Friday, June 20, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang)
The Houston Astros were average this season, finishing at 81-81, and as a reward for winning the American League West, they got to host a series. It is probably my least favorite thing about the playoffs in general. In the opening game, they sent eight different pitchers to the mound. They had to use two pitchers and 49 pitches just to get through the first inning. The Astros gave up five runs before they scored themselves in the bottom of the fifth. It should be interesting to see how they use the bullpen today with so many having to work yesterday.
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That means the biggest role in this game falls on the Astros' Ace, Hunter Brown. For the season, Brown went 6-4 with a 3.19 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He only pitched 107.1 innings this season, but he held hitters to a .208 batting average. At home, he was solid with a 3.27 ERA. He also turned in a great September, going 26.1 innings and allowing just eight earned runs. Brown did face the White Sox twice this season, and he allowed just two earned runs over 13 innings.
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A Chicago White Sox baseball cap in the dugout during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) (G Fiume/Getty Images)
This game should be a bit more difficult for both teams given the quality of starters on the mound. The Astros have home-field advantage, and Brown has experience in big games. Burke doesn't, and that is a bit of a concern. However, the White Sox are playing better baseball, and the Astros really don't even deserve to be here. I think this game is likely to go under 7.5 runs, but I also think Chicago wins. I'll split a unit on the two plays.
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