Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

White Sox Bungle Ninth-Inning Lead, Fumble Away Sweep Against Rangers

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated May 26, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The White Sox were this close to a series sweep in Texas before a ninth-inning meltdown, which reminded everyone exactly what kind of season this is. Tasked with protecting a one-run lead, the bullpen gave up three runs, with some help from the defense and their ever-reliable ability to invent new ways to lose.

Like Saturday's 10–5 win, the Sox fell behind early after former friend Jake Burger deposited a two-run homer into orbit off starter Davis Martin. That second-inning shot was all Martin allowed, though, as he kept things steady over six innings, giving up four hits, three walks, and striking out two in another quietly solid outing.

Comeback Surge

Miguel Vargas pulled the Sox within one with a solo homer in the fourth.

Miguel Vargas sends one to the bullpen! pic.twitter.com/wYoohZEK8m
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 25, 2025

Then, for the second straight game, the White Sox somehow took the lead in the sixth. Austin Slater tied it with a solo blast, Vargas doubled, advanced on an Andrew Benintendi groundout, and scored on a Luis Robert Jr. sac fly. Functional offense! For a minute!

Austin Slater LAUNCHED that baseball pic.twitter.com/i3hBfdMCGR
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 25, 2025

Miguel Castro and Cam Booser each threw hitless innings to preserve the lead and handed the ball over to Jordan Leasure, who was tasked with getting the final three outs. You already know how that went.

Comedy of Errors, Rangers Thankful

Leasure's first pitch in the ninth was fine. His 0-2 pitch? Not so much—it drilled leadoff hitter Josh Jung. Next, Burger doubled because, of course, he did, and just like that, there were runners on second and third with nobody out. Leasure struck out Alejandro Ozuna, but then Kyle Higashioka smoked a grounder to Miguel Vargas at third.

With the infield in, Vargas couldn't handle it cleanly enough to go home, so he fired to first… where Lenyn Sosa was nowhere near the bag. The ball beat the runner; Sosa did not. Everyone was safe.

Look where Lenyn Sosa was when he got the throw from third base. pic.twitter.com/03aWuMk46R
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) May 25, 2025

Adolis García delivered the dagger with a two-run double to give Texas the lead. In the ninth, Edgar Quero doubled to give Sox fans a fleeting pulse. After Sosa struck out, Michael A. Taylor knocked in Quero with a double, but then got himself picked off leaning too far off second, because that's just how this team operates.

Vinny Capra's flyout to left sealed the latest entry in the White Sox Book of Blunders™.

News and Notes

Chase Meidroth went 1-for-4, stretching his hitting streak to 12 games because someone has to be consistent.

Miguel Vargas finished the series 4-for-13 with two doubles, a homer, three runs scored, and two RBIs.

Luis Robert Jr. stole a base in every game, leading the league with 20, and went 4-for-11 with three RBIs, three runs, and a walk.

What's On Tap Next?

The White Sox take their unique brand of baseball to Queens, where they'll open a three-game series against the Mets. Right-hander Adrian Houser, fresh off the acquisition carousel, will face Clay Holmes.

First pitch is at 3:10 PM CT and will air on CHSN.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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