CLEVELAND -- Kyle Teel had a two-run double and Miguel Vargas belted a two-run homer as the American League Central-leading White Sox scored six times in the sixth inning, paving the way for their 7-3 victory over Guardians at Progressive Field on Monday night.

Chicago (77-73) extended its advantage in the division over Cleveland (76-75) to 1 1/2 games, also clinching the season tiebreaker by winning the three-game series opener.

The six-run sixth also featured an 18-pitch walk drawn by Tristan Peters that chased Guardians starter Gavin Williams. It tied for the fifth-most pitches in a plate appearance since they were first tracked in 1988, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.

Peters’ plate appearance matched Adam Kennedy for the most pitches in a walk, accomplished on June 10, 2004, for the Angels against the Brewers, and was the longest in the Majors this season.

One batter later, Peters was struck on the back of the head en route to second base by a throw from first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. The error allowed Andrew Benintendi to sprint home, Peters to wind up on third base and Colson Montgomery to reach first.

Sean Burke (9-7) worked as the bulk reliever, pitching five innings and allowing one unearned run on four hits. The run scored on an error by shortstop Montgomery, who dropped a popup by Ramírez.

Sean Newcomb served as Chicago’s opener for the second time in three games, giving up a single in one inning. The left-hander has a 0.84 ERA in six starts, covering 10 2/3 innings.