White Sox End 18-Year Playoff Drought

The Chicago White Sox secured their first playoff series victory since 2005, defeating the Houston Astros 7-3 on Wednesday to sweep their AL Wild Card Series. The South Side team, who lost 100 games in each of the previous three seasons, became the only team in major league history to follow consecutive 100-loss seasons with a playoff berth.

Despite Munetaka Murakami's struggles at the plate (one hit and five strikeouts in two games), the team celebrated their remarkable turnaround. "It means everything for our fans," said Chase Meidroth, whose three-run homer sealed Wednesday's win. The White Sox will now face AL Central champion Cleveland in the AL Division Series beginning Saturday in Cleveland. macnevers-and-co.beer