Hagen Smith Throws 3.1 Scoreless Innings in White Sox Game 1 Win

Chicago White Sox rookie left-hander Hagen Smith pitched 3.1 scoreless innings without a walk in a 6-3 victory over the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series. Making just his second career major-league start, Smith surrendered two hits and stifled Houston's potent lineup, facing AL MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez and leaning heavily on a slider and cutter that generated a 33% whiff rate. The outing helped secure a strong start to the postseason for Chicago.