The Chicago White Sox take on the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series Wednesday, seeking to complete a series sweep after a 6-3 victory in Game 1. The Astros, meanwhile, face criticism from their own players following boos from the home crowd during the opener.
Sean Burke, the White Sox’s starting pitcher, will take the mound for Chicago after allowing two earned runs over 11.2 innings against Houston in two regular-season matchups. The Astros, who finished the regular season at 81-81, now trail in the best-of-three series and must win to extend their postseason run.
The Astros’ season is on the line after their first-game loss, which saw the White Sox jump to an early 3-0 lead in the second inning. Houston reliever Bennett Sousa was among the players who heard boos from the crowd in the seventh inning after struggling in relief.
Game 2 Details and Matchups
The White Sox, who lost over 300 games combined in the past three seasons, secured a playoff berth this year as a Wild Card team. Their Game 1 win featured a balanced offensive effort and strategic pitching changes, while the Astros managed just three runs despite playing at home.
Houston’s pitching staff used eight relievers in Game 1, reflecting a bullpen-heavy approach that failed to contain Chicago’s offense. The Astros now turn to Hunter Brown in a must-win scenario, following a regular season where he posted a 3.38 ERA in 26 starts.
Fan Reactions and Team Responses
Astros players expressed frustration with the home crowd’s reaction during Game 1. First baseman Christian Walker told reporters the boos were "extremely frustrating" and noted the team’s effort to reach the playoffs despite a .500 regular season.
"We’re here, playing at home; we need cheers. We need energy. We don’t need boos," Walker said. "Whatever fans are feeling, we’re feeling it tenfold. We’re the ones out there. We’re the ones in the fight."
Sousa echoed similar sentiments, calling the boos "pissed off" moments in the dugout. He suggested that Houston’s fan base, accustomed to frequent playoff success, may have taken the team’s presence for granted.
Attendance and Playoff Context
The Astros hosted Game 1 at Daikin Park, which reported an attendance of 34,011 out of a 40,963 capacity. The early 4:10 p.m. local start time may have contributed to the lower turnout, though players emphasized the lack of support during the game.
The White Sox, meanwhile, aim to close out the series with Burke on the mound. Their pitching staff has been a key factor in their postseason run, with Burke leading the rotation in ERA (3.34) and strikeouts (185) during the regular season.
Series Implications
A White Sox sweep would mark a historic postseason run for a team that has struggled in recent years. The Astros, despite their playoff experience, now face elimination with a chance to extend their season only if they win Game 2 and force a decisive Game 3.
The series resumes Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.