White Sox Blank Cubs: Cease Dominates in 3-0 Crosstown Shutout
White Sox Shut Out Cubs 3-0 to End Losing Streak at Wrigley Field
What Happened in Simple Terms
The Chicago White Sox beat their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs, 3 to 0 at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. This win was extra special because:
- The White Sox had lost 8 games in a row at Wrigley Field since August 2023
- They had just suffered two heartbreaking walk-off losses in the first two games of this series
- This was the final game of a three-game series — the teams split the 2026 season series 3-3
Important Point: A "walk-off loss" means the other team scored the winning run in their last at-bat, so the game ends immediately and the losing team has to "walk off" the field.
How the Game Unfolded — Step by Step
1. The "Opener" Strategy Worked Perfectly
The White Sox used a strategy called an "opener" — a pitcher who only throws the first 1-2 innings instead of the whole game.
- Sean Newcomb started and threw 2 perfect innings — no hits, no runs
2. José Urquidy Was the Star of the Show
After Newcomb, José Urquidy came in for the 3rd inning and dominated:
- Pitched 6 full innings (innings 3 through 8)
- Allowed only 2 hits
- Struck out 8 batters
- Walked ZERO batters
- Earned the win (his record is now 2-1)
ELI5: A strikeout means the batter swung and missed three times, or didn’t swing at three good pitches. A walk means the pitcher threw four bad pitches and the batter gets to go to first base for free. Zero walks is amazing!
3. The White Sox Scored Their First Run in the 6th Inning
For 5 innings, the score was 0-0. Then in the 6th:
- Andrew Benintendi hit a single (a hit where the batter reaches first base)
- This drove in a run — White Sox lead 1-0
4. A Huge Defensive Play in the 7th Inning
With the score still 1-0, Cubs star Alex Bregman hit a hard ball to left field that looked like it might be a home run or at least a double.
- Sam Antonacci (White Sox left fielder) made a leaping catch against the ivy-covered wall
- This saved at least one run and kept the lead at 1-0
5. Insurance Runs in the 8th Inning
The White Sox added two more runs to make it 3-0:
- Miguel Vargas walked (free pass to first base)
- Randal Grichuk (pinch-hitter — a substitute batter) hit a double
- Braden Montgomery (rookie!) hit a two-run double off the glove of Cubs first baseman Michael Busch
- Final score: White Sox 3, Cubs 0
6. Grant Taylor Closed the Door
In the 9th inning, Grant Taylor pitched a perfect inning for his 7th save of the season. A "save" means a relief pitcher finishes the game while protecting a lead of 3 runs or fewer.
Key Players to Know
White Sox Heroes
| Player | Role | What They Did |
|---|---|---|
| José Urquidy | Relief Pitcher | 6 IP, 2 hits, 8 K, 0 BB, WIN |
| Braden Montgomery | Rookie Batter | 2 hits, 2 RBI (including go-ahead double) |
| Andrew Benintendi | Veteran Batter | RBI single that broke 0-0 tie |
| Sam Antonacci | Left Fielder | Game-saving leaping catch |
| Grant Taylor | Closer | 1 IP, perfect inning, SAVE |
| Sean Newcomb | Opener | 2 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs |
Cubs Standouts
| Player | Role | What They Did |
|---|---|---|
| Clay Holmes | Starting Pitcher | 5.1 IP, 1 run, 6 hits, 2 BB — pitched well but lost |
| Tyrone Taylor | Batter | Only 2 hits for the entire Cubs team (both by him!) |
What This Means for Both Teams
For the White Sox
- Snapped an 8-game losing streak at Wrigley Field
- Avoided a sweep (losing all 3 games in a series)
- Rookie Braden Montgomery showed he belongs in the big leagues
- Pitching staff threw a combined two-hitter (only 2 hits allowed total)
For the Cubs
- Shut out at home (scored 0 runs)
- Only 2 hits total as a team — both by one player
- Clay Holmes pitched great but got no run support
- Head to Seattle for their next series
Up Next
White Sox
- Opponent: Atlanta Braves
- Location: Rate Field (White Sox home stadium)
- When: Thursday (makeup game from a June 11 rainout)
- Pitching Matchup: Anthony Kay (9-5, 4.01 ERA) vs. Grant Holmes (7-5, 3.82 ERA)
Cubs
- Opponent: Seattle Mariners
- Location: Seattle (away game)
- When: Friday
- Starters: Not yet announced
Summary
The Chicago White Sox earned a 3-0 shutout victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, ending an eight-game losing streak at the historic ballpark. Using an opener strategy (Sean Newcomb, 2 perfect innings) followed by a dominant 6-inning relief performance from José Urquidy (8 strikeouts, 0 walks), the White Sox pitching staff allowed only two hits total. Offensively, Andrew Benintendi broke a scoreless tie in the 6th, and rookie Braden Montgomery delivered a two-run double in the 8th for insurance. Sam Antonacci’s leaping catch in the 7th preserved the slim lead. The teams split their 2026 season series 3-3, with the Cubs still leading the all-time interleague rivalry 80-78.
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
What does "shutout" mean?
A shutout is when one team prevents the other team from scoring any runs at all for the entire game. The final score was 3-0, so the Cubs were "shut out."
What’s an "opener" in baseball?
Traditionally, one pitcher starts and tries to go 5+ innings. An opener is a pitcher who only throws the first 1-2 innings, then the team brings in their main pitcher (sometimes called a "bulk guy") for the middle innings. It’s a modern strategy to match up better against the opponent’s lineup.
Who is Braden Montgomery and why is he important?
Braden Montgomery is a rookie (first-year player) for the White Sox. In this game, he got 2 hits and drove in 2 runs — including the big two-run double in the 8th inning. For a rookie to perform in a high-pressure rivalry game is a great sign for his future.
What’s the deal with the "ivy" at Wrigley Field?
Wrigley Field is famous for its outfield walls covered in real ivy vines. When Sam Antonacci made a "leaping catch against the ivy," it means he jumped up against the vine-covered brick wall to catch a ball that might have been a home run or extra-base hit. It’s one of the most iconic sights in baseball!
What does "interleague matchup" mean?
Major League Baseball has two leagues: the American League (White Sox) and the National League (Cubs). Most games are against teams in your own league. "Interleague" games are when American League teams play National League teams. The Cubs lead the all-time series 80-78.