White Sox ride Colson Montgomery’s first grand slam to 7-3 win over Twins; Robert Jr. adds late homer
Colson Montgomery delivered his first career grand slam, and Luis Robert Jr. went deep late as the Chicago White Sox halted a three-game slide with a 7-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.
Montgomery’s 12th homer of the season came in the second inning, a 412-foot shot to right-center off Twins starter Mick Abel, one of Minnesota’s top prospects who was recalled from Triple-A earlier in the day. The slam pushed Chicago’s lead to six runs, after Chase Meidroth earlier drove in Andrew Benintendi with a single in the same inning.
Abel (2-3), who was acquired from Philadelphia in the Jhoan Duran trade at the deadline, lasted just three innings, surrendering all six of his runs in the second frame, with two strikeouts and two walks. He had been recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday after posting a 1.76 ERA and a .140 opponent batting average over his last three minor-league starts.
The Twins got solo homers from Cody Clemens (his 14th), Matt Wallner (his 17th) and Royce Lewis (his eighth). Minnesota right-hander Thomas Hatch worked four shutout innings in relief.
Robert added the White Sox’s final highlight in the eighth, belting his 14th homer of the season, a 427-foot shot to left-center off Tyler Alexander.
Davis Martin earned the win for Chicago (5-9), allowing five hits and two runs over five innings, with six strikeouts and a walk.
Key moment: Montgomery’s first career grand slam capped a brutal debut night for Abel, who was called up earlier in the day.
Key stat: Abel’s six earned runs were the most he’s allowed in six MLB appearances.
Up next: The Twins have not announced a starter for Sunday. The White Sox are slated to start right-hander Yoendrys Gómez (3-1, 5.53 ERA).
Commentary and context:
– Montgomery’s slam showcases the pop in the White Sox lineup and provides a rare power highlight from a young player who has already shown season-long upside.
– Abel’s first major league outing with mixed results underscores the challenge some top prospects face when transitioning to the majors, especially in their pitcher-friendly ballpark and against a patient White Sox lineup.
– Chicago’s offense was timely, manufacturing runs in the second inning before pulling away, while the bullpen (including Hatch) contributed meaningful innings to secure the win.
Summary:
A productive night for Chicago featured Montgomery’s first grand slam and Robert Jr.’s late homer, snapping the White Sox’s skid and delivering a 7-3 victory over a Twins club that received homers from three different players but could not overcome a rough second inning by Abel. The series continues with Sunday’s pitching matchup to be determined for Minnesota and Yoendrys Gómez taking the mound for Chicago.