The Chicago White Sox, baseball's surprise team of 2026, swept the Houston Astros out of the playoffs on Wednesday, September 30, winning 7-3 to take their wild-card series 2-0.

The New York Yankees eliminated their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, with a 9-2 win that also completed a two-game sweep.

In the National League, the San Diego Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 4-1 to win their series 2-0. The Philadelphia Phillies stayed alive by beating the Atlanta Braves 4-3 in 10 innings, tying that series at one game each and forcing a deciding Game 3.

For the White Sox, the sweep extends a remarkable turnaround. Chicago lost 121 games in 2024 and this year became the first team to reach the playoffs right after three straight 100-loss seasons.

The winners advance to the best-of-five Division Series.