Sox fazed by Friars, drop series finale, 4-3

May 4, 2026 - 12:42

The Chicago White Sox saw their modest winning streak come to a halt on Wednesday afternoon, falling to the San Diego Padres 4-3 in the series finale at Petco Park. Despite a late rally that brought the tying run to the plate, the South Siders could not complete the comeback and had to settle for a split of the two-game set.

San Diego jumped out to an early lead, plating two runs in the first inning off White Sox starter Michael Kopech. The Padres added another run in the third on a solo home run, and extended their advantage to 4-0 in the fifth with a sacrifice fly. Kopech battled through six innings, striking out seven but allowing four earned runs on six hits and three walks.

Chicago's offense remained quiet until the seventh inning, when Andrew Vaughn launched a two-run homer to left field, cutting the deficit in half. In the eighth, the White Sox loaded the bases with one out, but could only push across one run on a fielder's choice groundout. Luis Robert Jr. then struck out swinging to end the threat.

The ninth inning offered a final chance for the White Sox. A leadoff single and a walk put the tying runs on base, but Padres closer Josh Hader retired the next three batters in order, striking out two to secure the save. The loss drops Chicago to 45-62 on the season, while San Diego improves to 56-51. The White Sox now head to Colorado for a three-game weekend series against the Rockies.