# White Sox squander chances in tight AL Central race

> Chicago's inability to close out crucial games against Cleveland has left the division wide open with a week and a half remaining.
- Title: White Sox squander chances in tight AL Central race | Shortify
- Summary: Chicago's inability to close out crucial games against Cleveland has left the division wide open with a week and a half remaining. The White Sox had multiple…
- Keywords: white sox, cleveland guardians, al central, baseball, mlb, division race, grant taylor, brayan rocchio, walk-off, september 2026, sports, White
- Source: Chicago White Sox On SI — https://si.com/mlb/whitesox/onsi/white-sox-failure-to-sustain-momentum-leaves-al-central-up-for-grabs-15
- Published: 2026-09-16T03:32:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: white sox, cleveland guardians, al central, baseball, mlb, division race, grant taylor, brayan rocchio, walk-off, september 2026, sports
## One strike away from control
The White Sox were one pitch from beating Cleveland for the second straight game and extending their division lead to 2.5 games. Instead, Grant Taylor's pitch became a two-RBI double by Brayan Rocchio, giving the Guardians a 7-6 walk-off win.
## Sixth-inning rally sets the tone
The night before, the Sox dominated with six runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by Tristan Peters drawing an 18-pitch walk. It seemed like the turning point in the division race.
## Grichuk's homer saves the day
Against St. Louis, the Sox were one strike away and Randal Grichuk delivered a two-run homer that appeared to save the season. That moment contrasted sharply with the loss to Cleveland.
## Cardinals capitalize on sixth-inning error
David Sandlin retired the first 16 batters against St. Louis, but Colson Montgomery's two-out error in the sixth set up Alec Burleson's bases-clearing double. The Sox couldn't hold the momentum.
## Series finale with everything on line
The Sox face Cleveland's best pitcher, Parker Messick, in the series finale without yet announcing their starter. A loss puts them in second place for the first time since July 3.
## Still in control despite setbacks
Even if the Sox lose Wednesday, they'll be only half a game back with a week and a half remaining and the tiebreaker advantage. They still control their own destiny.
## Closing moments define division races
If the Sox don't win the AL Central, their inability to convert big moments down the stretch will be blamed. The difference between first and second place often comes down to clutch execution.
## Key takeaway

The White Sox had multiple opportunities to build their lead but failed to capitalize, allowing the Guardians to stay within striking distance.