White Sox Bullpen Collapse Leads to Series Sweep by Rays

Chicago's late-inning struggles prove costly in 5-3 loss, capping off tough series against Tampa Bay.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with players, field, and stadium reduced to sharp, overlapping shapes and planes, conveying the tension and intensity of the game's climactic moments.A cubist interpretation of the White Sox's bullpen collapse, capturing the fractured energy and high-stakes drama of the late-inning meltdown.Chicago Today

The Chicago White Sox suffered a 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, surrendering three runs in the ninth inning to complete a series sweep. Closer Seranthony Domínguez blew the save, allowing a game-tying home run to start the ninth before the Rays loaded the bases and drew two walks to take the lead. The White Sox showed some offensive power in the series but struggled to string together big hits, leaving them winless against the Rays.

Why it matters

The White Sox's bullpen struggles and inability to hold late leads have been a recurring issue this season, contributing to their 6-13 start. This series sweep at the hands of the Rays, who are off to a strong 13-6 beginning, highlights the challenges Chicago faces in an increasingly competitive AL Central division.

The details

In the ninth inning, Domínguez immediately ran into trouble, allowing a leadoff home run to Junior Caminero to tie the game at 3-3. The Rays then loaded the bases against Domínguez and reliever Lucas Sims, with Hunter Feduccia and Taylor Walls drawing bases-loaded walks to give Tampa Bay a 5-3 lead. The White Sox had opportunities earlier in the game, including in the third inning when catcher Edgar Quero successfully challenged two ball calls to get out of a bases-loaded jam.

  • Caminero hit the game-tying home run to lead off the ninth inning.
  • Feduccia and Walls drew the go-ahead walks with the bases loaded in the ninth inning.

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 in the third inning to escape a bases-loaded jam.

Raudy Pereira

The White Sox outfielder who hit a solo home run in the eighth inning on Wednesday and another on Thursday, providing some of the team's offensive production in the series.

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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

“'Recognize the zone, recognize where I am in the box behind the plate. And at the same time, trying to be a little bit lucky with the pitch.'”

— Edgar Quero, White Sox Catcher

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

— Raudy Pereira, White Sox Outfielder

What’s next

The White Sox will look to rebound from the series sweep when they host the Cleveland Guardians for a three-game set starting on Friday.

The takeaway

The White Sox's bullpen struggles and inability to hold late leads have been a recurring issue this season, contributing to their poor start. While the offense has shown some power, the team has struggled to string together consistent production, a problem that will need to be addressed if they hope to turn things around in the competitive AL Central.