Tristan Peters’ Walk-Off Lifts White Sox to Series Win Over Mets

CHICAGO — Tristan Peters hit a walk-off home run in the ninth inning Sunday, giving the Chicago White Sox a 2-1 win over the New York Mets and a series victory at Rate Field.

Peters’ one-out blast to center off reliever Kodai Senga glanced off the glove of a leaping A.J. Ewing in center field. It was his second quirky homer in as many days — on Saturday, he homered off the glove of Mets right fielder Carson Benge in a 10-5 Mets win.

The walk-off was the second of the series for the White Sox, who also won Friday 6-4 on Jake Rogers’ two-run homer. With the victory, Chicago improved to 68-62 and remained 3 1/2 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. The Mets fell to 12-6 since the trade deadline.

Peters finished with two hits and a stolen base, and used a yellow custom bat inspired by his Savannah Bananas tenure. He spit on three misses from Senga before pouncing on a thigh-high fastball.

“It’s what you dream of as a kid,” Peters said. “You make up those scenarios in your head when you’re little, and now I get to be in those situations. They’re high pressure, but at the end of the day, it’s a lot of fun.”

Manager Will Venable praised the team’s resilience.

“Walk-offs mean good things happen, obviously,” Venable said. “And yet another example of these guys just continuing to battle. The fans and the support from the city and the environment that’s been created make these walk-off moments a little more special.”

The White Sox now have 11 walk-off wins this season, tied for second-most in MLB.

Pitching duel decided late

For most of the afternoon, pitchers dominated. White Sox opener Sean Newcomb allowed two hits and struck out three in two-plus scoreless innings. Bulk reliever Erick Fedde gave up three hits and a walk while striking out two in four scoreless frames.

Mets starter Nolan McLean allowed just one hit — a two-out single by Sam Antonacci in the third — while walking four and striking out six over six innings. McLean has allowed one run or fewer in nine of his last 15 starts, lowering his ERA from 4.40 to 3.21.

The teams combined to get just five runners past first base before the game broke open in the late innings. Miguel Vargas singled with one out in the eighth and scored on Andrew Benintendi’s double off the right-field wall, giving Chicago a 1-0 lead.

In the ninth, Mets first baseman Jared Young singled against Grant Taylor to tie the game. Taylor, who threw just 12 of 29 pitches for strikes, blew the save but earned the win after striking out Victor Reyes with the bases loaded to end the top of the inning.

“While I’m on the mound, I’m just trying to get outs as quickly as possible,” Taylor said. “But I knew once I came off it, my team had my back.”

Peters said the team embraces close games, comparing them to playoff scenarios.

“It replicates playoff games pretty well, with how close they are,” said Sam Antonacci, who went 1-for-3. “Being able to have a bunch of those under our belt if we are fortunate enough to get there is big.”

Antonacci acknowledged his own recent struggles at the plate, saying his offensive results “aren’t really there right now.”

Venable said his heart is holding up fine despite the late-game dramatics.

Peters honored with cycle ring

Before Saturday’s game, Peters received a ring from chairman Jerry Reinsdorf commemorating his cycle on July 10. The presentation took place in the clubhouse, and Peters said he was surprised.

“It meant a lot. I was surprised. I had no idea that was going to happen,” Peters said. “Very thoughtful gift, and I’m really grateful for it.”

The ring, designed by Toby Ramos and Gareth Bruenlin, features Peters’ hits in order inside, three bases on top, and a red garnet cut like home plate. Reinsdorf has given rings to every White Sox player who hit for the cycle during his ownership, including Carlton Fisk, Chris Singleton, Jose Valentin, and José Abreu.

“That was cool,” Venable said. “Nice gesture by Jerry, first of all. Nice moment before the game.”

Peters’ Saturday homer — his eighth of the season — came on the first pitch of the third inning off Christian Scott, but it was overshadowed by Benge’s collision with the fence trying to catch it.

Benge, who had three hits in the Mets’ win, said of the play: “I didn’t get the best read on it. Can’t always be perfect.”

Mets interim manager Andy Green praised Benge after that game: “Carson said he was even for the day. He tipped one over the fence and hit one over the fence. He’s a special guy. It’s a lot of fun watching him play baseball.”

Looking ahead

The White Sox open a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday at Rate Field. Jose Urquidy will make his first start since the 2023 ALCS, coming off six innings of two-hit ball with eight strikeouts against the Cubs. The Rangers are tied with the Astros atop the AL West at 65-66.

Kyle Teel is taking a step forward in his recovery, with a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte expected to begin Tuesday.

The Mets, meanwhile, face a daunting stretch, with series against the Brewers, Astros, Rays, Yankees, Orioles, and Rangers on the horizon. Jared Young, who had the game-tying single on Sunday, has an .871 OPS in August and has provided stability at first base.

Sunday’s loss was a missed opportunity for the Mets, as Francisco Alvarez and A.J. Ewing struck out to leave the go-ahead run in scoring position in the ninth. Bo Bichette went 0-for-4, snapping his on-base streak at 12 games.

Venable summed up the weekend: “These guys just continue to battle.”