Chicago White Sox swept by Tampa Bay Rays after bullpen collapse

Closer Seranthony Domínguez blows save as Sox squander late lead in series finale

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:20am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conceptually representing the fragmented and chaotic final innings of a baseball game.A cubist interpretation of the White Sox's bullpen collapse, capturing the fragmented and chaotic final innings of their series sweep against the Rays.Chicago Today

The Chicago White Sox suffered a 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, completing a three-game series sweep. The Sox entered the ninth inning with a one-run lead, but closer Seranthony Domínguez blew the save, allowing three runs in the final frame as the Rays rallied for the victory.

Why it matters

The loss drops the struggling White Sox to 6-13 on the season, further damaging their hopes of contending in the AL Central. The bullpen collapse raises concerns about the team's ability to protect late leads, an issue that has plagued them throughout the young season.

The details

Domínguez found trouble right away in the ninth, allowing a leadoff home run to Junior Caminero that tied the game. The Rays then loaded the bases, and Domínguez was charged with two more runs after relievers Lucas Sims and Seranthony Domínguez issued back-to-back bases-loaded walks. The White Sox did have some bright spots, including catcher Edgar Quero successfully challenging two ball calls that were overturned to strikes to escape a bases-loaded jam earlier in the game.

  • The White Sox entered the ninth inning with a 3-2 lead.
  • Caminero hit the game-tying home run to lead off the ninth against Domínguez.
  • The Rays loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against Domínguez and Sims.

The players

Seranthony Domínguez

The White Sox closer who suffered the blown save and loss, allowing three runs in the ninth inning.

Edgar Quero

The White Sox catcher who successfully challenged two ball calls earlier in the game to help the team escape a bases-loaded jam.

Anthony Kay

The White Sox pitcher who followed the opener and got out of a bases-loaded jam in the third inning.

Everson Pereira

The White Sox outfielder who hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to briefly give the team a 3-2 lead.

Will Venable

The White Sox manager who discussed the team's offensive struggles and Domínguez's performance in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's one of those where he didn't have his best stuff. He wasn't able to command the ball.”

— Will Venable, White Sox Manager

“Every time I come in, I just try to do my thing, and unfortunately I didn't do my job today, but I have to do it next time.”

— Seranthony Domínguez, White Sox Closer

“That was huge, especially with the bases loaded.”

— Anthony Kay, White Sox Pitcher

“I finally got my first RBI. I can help the team a little bit and keep doing my stuff and get better to keep helping the team.”

— Edgar Quero, White Sox Catcher

“I'm feeling good at home plate too. I'm just trying to help the team.”

— Everson Pereira, White Sox Outfielder

What’s next

The White Sox will look to bounce back in their next series against the Minnesota Twins, which begins on Friday. Manager Will Venable will likely evaluate the bullpen and consider making changes to the late-inning relief corps in an effort to shore up the team's struggles in close games.

The takeaway

This series sweep by the Rays highlights the White Sox's ongoing issues, particularly in the bullpen, as they try to turn around their disappointing 6-13 start to the season. The team's inability to hold late leads has been a recurring problem, and they'll need to find solutions quickly if they hope to contend in the AL Central.