In a season defined by narrow margins and late-game tension, Andrew Benintendi provided the definitive spark the Chicago White Sox needed on Thursday afternoon. With the game deadlocked in the final frame, Benintendi launched a tiebreaking three-run home run in the ninth inning, propelling the White Sox to a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The win marks a significant stretch for Chicago, as they have now secured three victories in their last four games.
Andrew Benintendi Delivers in the Clutch
The game entered the ninth inning tied 1-1, with both offenses struggling to find a breakthrough against disciplined pitching. The White Sox rally began when Lenyn Sosa reached base with a single off Diamondbacks reliever Scott McGough. Seeking to maximize their speed, Chicago inserted Duke Ellis as a pinch-runner, who promptly stole second base to put the go-ahead run in scoring position. After Korey Lee drew a walk, the stage was set for Andrew Benintendi.
Facing a 1-1 count, Benintendi connected on a splitter that caught too much of the plate, driving it deep into the right-field seats. The three-run blast was Benintendi’s seventh of the season and provided the White Sox with a 4-1 cushion that the bullpen would not relinquish. For Benintendi, the homer served as a high point in a season where he has worked to find consistency at the plate, reminding the league of his ability to change a game with one swing.
A Pitching Duel at Chase Field
Before the late-inning fireworks, the story of the game was the efficiency of the starting pitchers. White Sox rookie Drew Thorpe made a compelling case for his place in the rotation, throwing 3 1/3 innings and allowing only two hits. While his outing was shortened, the Chicago bullpen stepped up to provide nearly six innings of stellar relief. Tanner Banks earned the win after contributing two scoreless innings, while John Brebbia closed the door in the ninth to secure his second save of the year.
On the other side, Jordan Montgomery delivered a quality start for the Diamondbacks. Montgomery pitched seven strong innings, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out seven. His lone mistake came in the seventh inning when the White Sox managed to manufacture a run to tie the game. Despite his dominant performance, the Arizona offense was unable to provide the necessary support, leaving Montgomery with a no-decision.
Chicago’s Recent Momentum and Key Stats
The victory in Phoenix continues a positive trend for the White Sox, who have struggled for much of the first half of the season. By taking three of their last four contests, Chicago is showing signs of life, particularly in close-game situations. The team’s pitching staff was the backbone of this win, limiting a potent Arizona lineup to just one run on five total hits.
- Andrew Benintendi: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI
- Lenyn Sosa: 2-for-4, 1 Run
- Jordan Montgomery: 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 K
- Tanner Banks: 2.0 IP, 0 ER, Win (1-2)
For the Diamondbacks, the loss is a missed opportunity to gain ground in the National League West. Christian Walker provided the only RBI for Arizona, but the team went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, a statistic that ultimately proved fatal against a resilient Chicago squad.
Looking Ahead
The White Sox will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their road trip, hoping that Benintendi’s power surge is a sign of things to come for the middle of the order. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, will need to address their late-inning relief struggles and offensive consistency as they prepare for their next series. With the trade deadline approaching, performances like Thursday's will be closely watched by front offices across the league.
Sources & Original Reporting
