Image Source: Star Tribune
White Sox teammates Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery delivered a historic power display Friday night, becoming the first pair of Chicago teammates to reach 30 home runs in the same game in franchise history. Their milestone blasts helped lift the club to a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Rate Field.
The win was especially important for a young Chicago team fighting to reach the postseason for the first time since 2021. After dropping four of their previous five games, the White Sox needed a strong start to their six-game homestand. They got it through timely power, steady pitching and several memorable moments.
White Sox Make Franchise History With Twin 30-Homer Night
Vargas opened the historic evening by launching a home run off Zebby Matthews in the first inning. The blast traveled a Statcast-projected 382 feet to right-center field and gave Vargas the bragging rights in the race to 30.
Montgomery followed in the fourth inning with a two-run shot, joining Vargas at the milestone. According to STATS, it was the first time in White Sox history that two teammates reached 30 homers in the same game and the same season.
“Doing it on the same night and being able to share with Vargas is awesome,” Montgomery said. “It’s just a lot of dedication to staying with your approach and process.”
Vargas also recognized the significance of the achievement after a season filled with hard work and adjustment.
“It’s pretty awesome,” Vargas said. “I know how hard it is and I’ve been working very hard to have a decent year, I guess. To achieve one of these moments, it means a lot for me for sure.”
Braden Montgomery Adds Another Explosive Moment
The power show did not end with Vargas and Colson Montgomery. Braden Montgomery homered off Matthews in the sixth inning, creating another unusual piece of White Sox history. It marked the first time the Montgomerys had homered in the same game.
The back-to-back milestones gave Chicago’s clubhouse an electric atmosphere during a crucial part of the season. The White Sox have endured three consecutive 100-plus-loss seasons, but the young roster is now attempting to turn that disappointment into a postseason push.
“It’s fun to have all this stuff that’s not just baseball,” Colson Montgomery said. “Even if it’s magic or whatever.”
Erick Fedde Delivers Critical Start Against Minnesota
While the home runs grabbed the headlines, Erick Fedde provided the foundation for the victory. The right-hander threw five scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out two and walking two. His performance improved his record to 5-0 with a 1.18 ERA in seven career starts against Minnesota.
Fedde said the Twins may bring out his best, adding that he currently feels as confident as he has all season. He focused on executing quality pitches regardless of the count and treating every delivery as if it were the most important pitch of the year.
That approach helped Chicago control the game after a difficult road trip to Houston. The White Sox’s defense and bullpen protected the lead, while the offense provided more than enough support through the long ball.
Postseason Race Tightens in September
The victory moved Chicago to 74-67 and gave the White Sox a 2 1/2-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians, who improved to 72-70 after sweeping a doubleheader against Detroit. With 21 games remaining, every series carries increasing importance.
Chicago still has three games scheduled at Cleveland from September 14-16, making the division race increasingly intense. Colson Montgomery said the team cannot afford to look too far ahead and must concentrate on winning each series.
- Miguel Vargas reached 30 home runs and 30 doubles in the same season.
- Vargas became the fifth primary White Sox third baseman to hit 30 homers in one season.
- Colson Montgomery joined Vargas at 30 home runs with a two-run blast.
- Braden Montgomery and Colson Montgomery homered in the same game for the first time.
- Erick Fedde remained unbeaten in seven career starts against Minnesota.
Vargas joined Robin Ventura and Joe Crede as the only primary third basemen in franchise history to record at least 30 homers and 30 doubles in the same season. His 30 home runs also placed him alongside Todd Frazier, Ventura, Crede and Bill Melton among Chicago’s 30-homer third basemen.
The evening even included a touch of clubhouse superstition. Fans received a Mike Vasil wand giveaway, inspired by the rehabbing pitcher’s tradition of using a wand in the dugout to bring good luck. Vasil appeared on the video board before the game and encouraged the club to make some magic happen.
For the White Sox, the magic came from a historic power surge, a strong start from Fedde and a team refusing to let a rough stretch derail its season. With the postseason race entering its final weeks, Chicago’s young core has created momentum at precisely the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What historic achievement did the White Sox record?
Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery became the first White Sox teammates to reach 30 home runs in the same game and the same season.
Who hit the first home run for Chicago?
Miguel Vargas hit the first-inning home run off Zebby Matthews, reaching the 30-homer mark before Colson Montgomery.
Did the Montgomery brothers homer in the same game?
Yes. Colson Montgomery homered in the fourth inning, and Braden Montgomery added a home run in the sixth, marking the first time they had homered in the same game.
What was Erick Fedde’s record against Minnesota?
Fedde improved to 5-0 with a 1.18 ERA in seven career starts against the Twins.
