Ryan Pepiot’s fatigue forced Tampa Bay into a bullpen night, and Mason Montgomery paid the price, allowing five runs in 0.2 innings after a 1-0 lead. The Rays hung around with six relievers, while Chicago built a 6-1 cushion. Carson Williams and Junior Caminero homered in the fifth to fuel a comeback bid, Yandy Díaz had an earlier homer, and Richie Palacios plus Hunter Feduccia added small-ball pressure. A two-run late surge fell just short as Jake Mangum’s highlight catch and solid work from Joe Rock and Cole Sulser kept the Rays within striking distance, but White Sox held on 6-5.

Two homers by Rays hitters spurred the late charge, but eight White Sox relievers combined to blunt Tampa Bay’s rally. The game showcased a bullpen-focused night with innings decided by leveraged matchups and timing, rather than extended rotations, cementing a storyline where Rays’ depth and late-game execution were enough for a near-miss in Chicago.