After 20 straight singles, HRs spark White Sox

October 11th, 2021

CHICAGO -- It wasn’t looking good for the White Sox, as they trailed the Astros by four runs in the third inning while facing elimination in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Sunday night at Guaranteed Rate Field.

But Chicago rallied with a five-run third inning to take the lead, keyed by a two-run home run by off right-hander Luis Garcia and a three-blast from off reliever Yimi García. That sparked the White Sox to a 12-6 victory that extended the series to a Game 4 on Monday.

Grandal’s homer was the first extra-base hit of the postseason for the White Sox, who had been limited to 20 singles up to that point. That's the longest streak of hits without any for extra bases to open an MLB postseason, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The 2008 Angels opened their postseason with 19 singles before their first extra-base hit.

The five-run inning started with a leadoff walk by Luis Robert before Grandal sent a 3-2 changeup the opposite way to left field with one out to give the White Sox some momentum in front of a frenzied crowd witnessing the club’s first postseason game in Chicago since 2008. It was the sixth career postseason homer for Grandal in 39 games.

With two outs, Yoán Moncada and Gavin Sheets singled and the Astros brought in Yimi García to face Leury García. The right fielder worked the count in his favor before unleashing a go-ahead three-run shot to center field on a 3-1 fastball. It gave the White Sox a 6-5 lead and was the first postseason homer for García in five games.