Miguel Vargas Hits Career-Best 17th Home Run to Lift White Sox Over Guardians, 2-1

June 24, 2026

Cuban third baseman Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox hit a go-ahead solo home run in the sixth inning on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to give Chicago a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field, lifting the White Sox into sole possession of first place in the AL Central.

Vargas launched a slider from Parker Messick 376 feet into the bullpen in left field to lead off the sixth inning. It was his career-best 17th home run of the 2026 season for the 26-year-old Havana native.

Starter Sean Burke (5-4) allowed one run on six hits in 6⅓ innings, striking out six, to earn the win. Sean Newcomb closed it out with 2⅔ scoreless innings to earn his second save.

Messick (7-4) was dominant, striking out a career-high 10 batters over 7⅔ innings while allowing just two runs on three hits. Colson Montgomery had driven in Randal Grichuk with a single in the fourth inning to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. Guardians rookie Kahlil Watson tied it in the fifth with his first career home run, a 373-foot shot to right field.

The White Sox are 22-4 in their last 26 home games, 11-1 against the AL Central at home, and have won nine consecutive home series. Their 16 one-run victories are the most in the majors.

(With information from Associated Press / ABC News)