The Chicago White Sox enter Wednesday’s ALDS Game 3 against the Cleveland Guardians one win from the ALCS after opening the postseason with four straight victories built on dominant run prevention.
Chicago has allowed six or fewer hits in each win, becoming only the fourth team in MLB history to begin a postseason 4-0 while doing so. The White Sox surrendered only six hits in their Wild Card opener, then five, three and four over the next three games.
OptaSTATS took to X, formerly Twitter, ahead of Game 3 to highlight the historic company the 2026 White Sox club joined.
The White Sox are the fourth team in MLB history to begin a postseason with four straight wins and six or fewer hits allowed in each game – 1966 Orioles, 1996, Braves, 1998 Yankees – all eventual World Series winners.
No team has ever started a playoff run with a longer streak. pic.twitter.com/BCHW1ZcKhw— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 7, 2026
The comparison included the 1966 Baltimore Orioles, 1996 Atlanta Braves and 1998 New York Yankees. However, one detail needs clarification. The Orioles and Yankees won the World Series, while the 1996 Braves won the National League pennant before losing the Fall Classic to New York.
That distinction does not diminish Chicago’s pitching run. The White Sox have allowed only nine runs across four postseason games and have not needed a traditional starter to work more than four innings.
Manager Will Venable has leaned on openers and bulk relievers throughout the run. Grant Taylor has handled the highest-leverage finishes, posting a 0.00 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 7 2/3 innings and recording saves in both ALDS victories.
Article Continues BelowChicago swept the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series before taking Games 1 and 2 in Cleveland, meaning all four of the White Sox’s postseason wins have come on the road.
The White Sox now return to Rate Field with a chance to clinch their first ALCS berth since 2005. Their historic hit-suppression streak strengthens the case that their unconventional pitching formula can carry deep into October, but it does not guarantee a World Series run.
Chicago remains one win from advancing as Game 3 approaches Wednesday afternoon.

