White Sox look to close out Houston Astros in two games after dominant playoff opener

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.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.

This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.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 themselve...