The Chicago White Sox have gone from last season’s collapse to leading the American League Central at 37-31, riding a three-game winning streak that included an 8-2 rout of the defending-champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noticed the sw
The Chicago White Sox didn’t just win Friday—they did it the kind of way that makes a season feel like it’s turned a page. In an 8-2 victory over the defending-champion Los Angeles Dodgers. the southsiders extended a three-game winning streak and vaulted into first place in the American League Central with a 37-31 record.
For Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, the shock wasn’t only on the scoreboard. As the teams unfolded their three-game series, Roberts pointed to what he’s been seeing at Guaranteed Rate Field—how quickly the mood has changed.
“I remember a few years back it was empty and there was a lot of dismay here on the South Side,” Roberts said. “Now there’s a lot of energy and excitement. They’re in first place. It’s a young, tough, athletic team.”
The White Sox’s turnaround has been built on specific pillars, and not just one hot streak. The franchise has leaned on youthful development. power hitting. plate discipline. and a culture shift that has been facilitated by manager Will Venable. It’s a different scene from the one just a while ago—when the White Sox finished 41-121.
For all the White Sox momentum, the Dodgers aren’t flailing the way their opponent is. They’re surging in the National League West Division. sitting in first place at 44-26 and winning six of their last ten games. They’ve also opened up a cushion of eight games over the second-place San Diego Padres.
Their offense, fueled by star power, continues to carry the weight. They’re working with a six-man pitching rotation that’s been described as stellar, while the bullpen has also been performing at a high level.
The series moves to Saturday with the Dodgers and White Sox set to play their second game at 3:10 pm CST/4:10 pm EST. They’ll close things out on Sunday at 1:10 pm CST/2:10 pm EST.
On the field and in the stands, the contrast is hard to miss: Chicago is running hot and energized, while Los Angeles remains strong in its division. What comes next in the series will decide whether the White Sox’s sudden rise is a brief jolt—or a sign they’ve finally found their footing for real.
Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Dodgers Dave Roberts Will Venable American League Central Guaranteed Rate Field 8-2 three-game winning streak San Diego Padres MLB