Vargas Powers White Sox Past Reds with 10th-Inning Blast in Series Opener

The White Sox cracked the scoreboard in the fourth, when Miguel Vargas’s pop-up landed between shortstop Elly De La Cruz and center fielder TJ Friedl. Vargas hustled into second and scored on Edgar Quero’s RBI single. Quero, who finished the night 3-for-4, was a quiet star behind the dish and at the plate.

Things got spicy in the eighth. Connor Joe doubled off Jordan Leasure and moved to third after a walk to Will Benson. But Edgar Quero’s throw to third, paired with Vargas’s crafty tag, cut down Joe for the second out, and Santiago Espinal lined out to end the inning.

The Typical

With left-hander Cam Booser warming in the bullpen, manager Will Venable instead opted for right-hander Steven Wilson to face Elly De La Cruz — a decision that, in hindsight, was a bit like playing Jenga with oven mitts. De La Cruz, far more dangerous from the left side, tied the game with a 435-foot missile to right, sending it to extras.

10th-Inning Turnaround

Emilio Pagán, who handled the ninth, returned for the 10th and got two quick outs. After Matt Thaiss, pinch-hitting for Michael A. Taylor, who struck out in all three plate appearances, drew a walk to extend the inning, Chase Meidroth followed with a base hit to right to score Brooks Baldwin and give the Sox a 2-1 lead.

Then, Miguel Vargas decided it was time for a bit of insurance — and maybe a touch of revenge — launching a three-run homer to left to blow it open at 5-1.

Booser, warmed up and ready, pitched a 1-2-3 tenth with two strikeouts to lock down the win.

News and Notes

• The Reds went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

• Luis Robert Jr. stole his American League leading 16th base of the season.

• The White Sox sent outfielder Austin Slater and right-hander Jesse Scholtens on rehab assignments with Triple-A Charlotte.

What’s On Tap Next?

Davis Martin takes the mound for the White Sox on Wednesday, looking to rebound from a pair of rocky outings. He enters with a 4.87 ERA on the road. The Reds counter with left-hander Nick Lodolo, who has been sharp overall (3.23 ERA) but owns a 6.75 ERA at home.

First pitch is at 6:14 p.m. CT on CHSN. Expect more chaos.