​CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Durbin belted a two-run homer to lift the surging Boston Red Sox to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, extending Boston’s winning streak to six straight. The Red Sox managed just four hits, but Patrick Sandoval and four relievers limited Chicago to a lone run as Boston completed a three-game sweep. With the win, Boston improved to 11-2 over its last 13 games and has outscored opponents 35-10 during the six-game streak.
Sandoval pitched the ball well in his first major league start in more than two years, giving up one run and five hits over 4 1/3 innings. The left-hander, who underwent elbow surgery in June 2024, subsequently signed an $18.25 million, two-year deal with Boston in December. Tyron Guerrero recorded five outs after Sandoval departed, while Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten each worked a inning. Aroldis Chapman finished the ninth for his 19th save in 21 opportunities. Boston’s bullpen held the series to one run and four hits across 9 2/3 innings.
Chicago dropped its record to 8-6 in eight games. White Sox left-hander Anthony Kay pitched five and one-third innings, allowing four hits and walking two.
Boston jumped in front in the fourth. With Romy Gonzalez aboard after a leadoff walk, Durbin launched a 1-1 sweeper into the left-field seats for his ninth homer, giving the Red Sox the lead.
Chicago threatened in the fifth, putting runners at the corners with one out. Andrew Benintendi delivered a pinch-hit RBI single on a check-swing dribbler down the third-base line, bringing in Luisangel Acuña to tie the game. It marked Chicago’s first run since Tuesday night’s 8-1 loss in the series opener.
The White Sox had additional chances, but miscues and timely outs kept them from breaking through. They left men on first and second when Miguel Vargas flew out to center and Colson Montgomery fouled out.
Looking ahead, Boston will open a weekend series at the New York Mets on Friday night. Chicago heads into Friday’s action with a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics, with right-hander Sean Burke (5-4, 3.56 ERA) slated to start the opener for the White Sox.
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