With their playoff slump broken and a pope on their side, the White Sox want more this October

HOUSTON — Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable was already looking ahead just minutes after his team won its first playoff series in 21 years by sweeping the Houston Astros in their AL Wild Card Series.

“I can tell you right now that the group isn’t satisfied with this,” he said.

The White Sox used a big first inning and a three-run homer from Chase Meidroth to propel them to a 7-3 victory and series win.

It’s the first time Chicago has won a playoff series since beating Houston in the World Series in 2005. Under the direction of Venable, the second-year skipper, and with a letter of support from Pope Leo XIV, the White Sox advanced to face AL Central champion Cleveland in the AL Division Series beginning Saturday in Cleveland.

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They’re thrilled to give their fans in Chicago at least a couple of home playoff games after playing their first two postseason games on the road. Their first game at Rate Field will be Game 3 on Wednesday.

“They have been incredible all year,” Meidroth said. “So, the main thing was getting back