White Sox Rout Blue Jays 12-4 in Second-Half Opener

The Chicago White Sox began the second half of the season with a commanding 12-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on July 18 at Rogers Centre. Chicago took control early, scoring five runs in the second inning and maintaining its offensive pressure throughout the game.

White Sox manager Will Venable praised the team’s performance following the break.

“Slugging and scoring runs is a big part of our identity. So to come out and do that, [it] means a lot. These guys had a good break there and were able to rest. But we’re able to come back ready to go, and it was great.”

The second-inning rally started with back-to-back singles from Colson Montgomery and Andrew Benintendi. Kyle Teel then brought Montgomery home with a double down the left-field line.

Braden Montgomery followed with an RBI fielder’s choice and later scored on a single by Chase Meidroth. Sam Antonacci completed the five-run inning with a two-run home run to right field, his sixth homer of the season, giving the White Sox a 5-0 advantage.

The home run was Antonacci’s first in consecutive games. He said the work he completed during the break helped him return ready to play.

“It’s always nice to get in the groove right away,” Antonacci said. “It felt like even though it was three or four days, we’d been away for a while. So, it’s a step in the right direction.”

Chicago added to its lead later in the game. Colson Montgomery delivered a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning, while Braden Montgomery hit a bases-clearing triple in the seventh.

Braden Montgomery said the team’s offensive success continued to build momentum in the dugout.

“That just kind of stokes the flames, and I feel that’s the best way to describe the vibes… add a little bit of oxygen to the fire now and again, [that’s] where we get more excited to keep going.”

White Sox starter Anthony Kay worked four innings, allowing two runs and recording five strikeouts. Three relievers finished the game, including rookie Tyler Schweitzer, who earned the first victory of his major league career.

Schweitzer pitched three scoreless innings and struck out three batters.

The victory improved Chicago’s record to 51-45, placing the team six games above .500. It also extended the White Sox winning streak to four games.

Before the game, Venable stressed the importance of maintaining the habits that helped Chicago reach this point in the season.

“I really just want to make sure that we don’t forget the things that got us here,” Venable said.

Antonacci offered a similar assessment after the victory.

“We’re trying to go out and win every day and really not listening to anyone else… We know what we can do… It doesn’t matter how or who’s going to get it done.”