Colson Montgomery's 5 RBIs led a White Sox rookie surge as they stunned the Rays 11-9 on July 24, 2025. See how the kids powered this thrilling comeback.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought this rebuild was all about patient development, the kids decided to fast-forward to the fun part. Down four runs before they could even blink, the Chicago White Sox didn't just fight back against the Rays; they kicked the door down in an 11-9 slugfest, fueled by the very prospects who represent the hope for a brighter future on the South Side.
The White Sox have scored 49 runs in six games since the All-Star break, capping a 5-1 road trip.
What a night. Staring down a 4-0 first-inning deficit, the young Sox showed a resilience that belies their experience. The hero was rookie Colson Montgomery, who continued his torrid stretch by launching a game-tying three-run homer in the second inning. But he wasn't done. With the game on the line in the eighth, Montgomery stepped up and delivered a go-ahead two-run double, finishing his night with five RBIs. He wasn't the only rookie sensation. Catcher Kyle Teel had a career night, smashing his first MLB homer and collecting four hits. Even birthday boy Chase Meidroth got in on the action with an RBI single, while veteran Luis Robert Jr. quietly extended his hitting streak to nine games. Despite a shaky start, starter Jonathan Cannon battled, striking out a career-high nine batters, proving that even on a tough night, the development is tangible.
This isn't just one great game; it's a validation of the entire organizational philosophy. General Manager Chris Getz recently expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the young core, and this 5-1 road trip is Exhibit A. Manager Will Venable's staff has preached daily improvement, and the results are screaming from the box score. While the front office maintains that player growth is the priority over wins and losses, nights like Wednesday prove that the two can go hand-in-hand. The team's explosive offense since the All-Star break is a clear sign that the pieces are not just developing, they're starting to fit together.
And just in case you thought the talent well was running dry, the farm system continues to produce. While the big-league club was lighting up Tampa, the next wave was making noise down below. In Double-A Birmingham, Riley Gowens was untouchable, tossing six scoreless innings. In Triple-A Charlotte, Korey Lee showed off his power with a homer and three RBIs, while recent top pick Braden Montgomery is already showing a patient eye, reaching base three times. This constant churn of talent is the lifeblood of the rebuild, ensuring that the excitement we're seeing in Chicago is sustainable for years to come.
After a statement road trip, the White Sox return home with a swagger we haven't seen in years. The rebuild is no longer an abstract concept or a five-year plan discussed in press releases; it's playing out in real-time between the lines. With Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and a wave of talent right behind them, the daily question is no longer 'when will it get better?' but 'who's going to be the hero tonight?'
