Patrick Sandoval sharp after two-year layoff as Red Sox sweep White Sox

Caleb Durbin hit a two-run home run and Patrick Sandoval pitched effectively in his first MLB outing in two years as the visiting Boston Red Sox edged the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Thursday to complete a three-game sweep.

Durbin delivered the only extra-base blow among Boston's four hits when he connected for a two-run blast against Anthony Kay in the fourth inning. It proved enough support for Sandoval and four relievers, boosting Boston to its sixth straight victory and 11th in 13 games.

Chicago collected seven hits but fell into a tie with the Cleveland Guardians atop the American League Central with its sixth loss in eight games. The White Sox, who had won 10 straight home series, were swept at home for the third time this season.

Sandoval started and worked 4 1/3 strong innings in his Red Sox debut and first major league action since June 21, 2024, with the Los Angeles Angels.

Recovered from Tommy John surgery and other injuries, Sandoval was activated from the 60-day injured list on Monday. The left-hander threw 65 pitches, spacing one run and five hits with one walk and five strikeouts.

Sandoval was charged with his lone run in the fifth when Andrew Benintendi grounded a pinch-hit RBI single to greet reliever Tyron Guerrero. The hit scored Luisangel Acuna, who opened the inning with a single against Sandoval.

Guerrero (1-1) escaped further trouble with a flyout to center and popup to third. He earned the victory with 1 2/3 innings of two-hit relief.

Aroldis Chapman worked a perfect ninth for his 19th save.

Colson Montgomery had two hits for the White Sox, who were limited to two runs in the series. They also became the first MLB team this season to go without an extra-base hit in a three-game set.

Kay (6-4) scattered two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out four.

White Sox pitchers Jordan Hicks, Grant Taylor and Tyler Davis combined for 3 2/3 innings of hitless relief with two walks.

Anthony Seigler returned to Boston's lineup after leaving Wednesday's victory with a right trap contusion following a collision at home plate.

Red Sox All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras, who departed with a left foot contusion in Wednesday's game, served the first of a five-game suspension for his role in a bench-clearing incident against Washington on June 30. He was originally suspended for seven games, but MLB reduced it to five on Thursday.

--Field Level Media