White Sox Defeat Mariners 5–1 as Chicago Continues Solid Spring Training Run

The Chicago White Sox continued their encouraging run in 2026 Spring Training, delivering a confident performance that resulted in a 5–1 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

The win pushed Chicago’s preseason record to 9–7, providing another positive sign for a club trying to build momentum heading into the regular season.

For much of the afternoon, the game carried a somewhat unusual feeling.

Instead of the White Sox looking disorganized or struggling with fundamentals, it was the Mariners who appeared to have difficulty executing the basics.

Seattle committed several costly mistakes that ultimately shaped the outcome of the game.

Two bunts were misplayed defensively.

Several pitches struck opposing hitters.

And the Mariners failed repeatedly in key offensive situations.

By contrast, the White Sox played a clean and disciplined game.

It was exactly the kind of performance that coaching staffs love to see during spring training.

Early in the game, however, it briefly appeared that Chicago might fall into a familiar pattern.

In the second inning, the White Sox managed to load the bases with just one out.

The opportunity developed thanks to a hit by pitch, a walk, and a softly hit single that dropped into play.

Facing Seattle starter Logan Gilbert, the White Sox seemed poised to take control early.

But the promising rally quickly stalled.

Prospect Braden Montgomery struck out, and Chase Meidroth followed with a pop up, ending the threat without a run crossing the plate.

Moments like that have occasionally frustrated White Sox fans in recent seasons.

Getting runners on base has rarely been the problem.

Converting those opportunities into runs has often proven more difficult.

For several innings, Gilbert managed to keep Chicago’s offense under control.

The Mariners starter, one of the more talented pitchers on Seattle’s roster, used his strong fastball command to limit damage early.

But the game shifted once Gilbert exited in the fifth inning.

Seattle turned to reliever Carlos Vargas, whose spring training struggles have been difficult to ignore.

Vargas entered the game carrying a 16.88 ERA in spring training, and Chicago quickly took advantage.

The inning began with Braden Montgomery lining a single.

Montgomery then advanced to second base when Chase Meidroth laid down a bunt.

The play was ruled a hit, although the Mariners’ defensive reaction made it appear more like a missed opportunity to record an out.

Soon after, Montgomery moved to third on a force out.

That setup allowed Chicago to break the scoreless tie in an unusual way.

A wild pitch from Vargas allowed Montgomery to score, giving the White Sox a 1–0 lead.

The moment shifted the tone of the game.

From that point forward, Chicago gradually built separation.

In the seventh inning, the White Sox offense created another scoring opportunity.

Dru Baker, who had entered the game as a replacement for Montgomery, delivered a double to start the rally.

Meidroth then drew a walk, placing two runners on base with nobody out.

Next came Dustin Harris, who had entered the game in place of Luisangel Acuña.

Harris attempted a bunt that once again resulted in a play ruled as a hit.

The decision puzzled some observers, as the Mariners defense appeared to have had an opportunity to make the play.

Regardless of the ruling, the bases were suddenly loaded.

That brought Andrew Benintendi to the plate.

Benintendi, one of the veteran leaders in the White Sox lineup, delivered when the team needed him.

His hit drove in two runs, extending Chicago’s lead to 3–0.

The run production continued later in the game.

In the eighth inning, the White Sox added two more runs to further secure the victory.

The rally began when Caden Connor singled.

However, the play likely should have been scored as an error.

A throw from the Mariners shortstop that appeared capable of easily retiring Connor at first base sailed well wide of the bag.

The misplay allowed Connor to reach safely and keep the inning alive.

The White Sox capitalized immediately.

A pair of hit batters put additional runners on base.

Then Dustin Harris came through again with another hit, driving in more runs and pushing Chicago’s lead to 5–0.

By that point, the Mariners had fallen too far behind to realistically recover.

Although Seattle eventually scored a run later in the game, the White Sox maintained control throughout the final innings.

Offensively, Chicago produced 10 hits as a team.

Both Andrew Benintendi and Dustin Harris collected two hits each, leading the offensive effort.

The White Sox finished the game 4 for 17 with runners in scoring position.

While that conversion rate may not be ideal, the number of opportunities itself reflected the team’s ability to create pressure.

Having 17 plate appearances with runners in scoring position is often a positive indicator during spring training games.

It shows that hitters are consistently reaching base and forcing the opposing defense to respond.

Meanwhile, the White Sox pitching staff delivered a strong collective performance.

Grant Taylor started the game in an opener role, setting the tone early.

After Taylor’s brief outing, Davis Martin handled the bulk of the middle innings.

Martin pitched three efficient innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four batters.

His performance kept Seattle’s offense completely off balance.

Following Martin, several additional relievers continued the solid pitching effort.

For most of the game, the Mariners struggled to generate meaningful scoring opportunities.

Seattle finally managed to score in the eighth inning against Tyson Miller, preventing the shutout.

Even then, the damage remained minimal.

In the ninth inning, the Mariners threatened to narrow the gap further.

However, the rally never materialized into additional runs.

The White Sox pitching staff closed out the game and secured the 5–1 victory.

Away from the on field action, the White Sox also made a few roster decisions before the game.

The team optioned pitcher Tanner McDougal to Triple A Charlotte.

Meanwhile, highly regarded prospect Noah Schultz was reassigned to minor league camp.

Schultz is also expected to begin the season with Charlotte, continuing his development in the minors.

Roster adjustments like these are common during spring training as teams narrow down their final player selections.

With Opening Day approaching, organizations begin to finalize which players will start the season on the major league roster.

For the White Sox, the overall performance against Seattle represents another encouraging step.

Spring training results are rarely the ultimate measure of success.

However, strong performances can still build confidence within a team.

Winning games, executing fundamentals, and receiving quality pitching are all positive indicators.

Chicago will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup.

The White Sox are scheduled to host the Kansas City Royals in their next spring training game.

First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m., with the slightly unusual start time influenced by the transition related to Daylight Saving Time.

As the preseason schedule continues, Chicago will focus on refining its roster and preparing for the challenges of the regular season.

If performances like this one continue, the White Sox may enter the upcoming year with more optimism than many expected just a few weeks ag