[MontrealExpos]

The Montreal Gazette
May 16, 2024
By Chris Davenport

Expos Take Series in Chicago with Late-Game Heroics

CHICAGO – The Montreal Expos delivered one of their most complete series of the season, taking two out of three from the Chicago White Sox on the road. After dropping the opener, the Expos rebounded with dominant pitching in Game 2 before sealing the series with a dramatic ninth-inning comeback.

Game 1: White Sox Stifle Expos’ Bats in 4-1 Loss

Montreal’s offense was nowhere to be found in the opener as Cristopher Sánchez (7.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 8 K) silenced their bats in a 4-1 defeat. The Expos managed just two hits, with Víctor Robles providing the lone highlight—
a solo home run in the first inning.

Starter MacKenzie Gore (5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 5 K) kept the game close, but a two-run sixth inning by Chicago proved to be the difference. Eloy Jiménez and Colson Montgomery each drove in runs, while closer Tanner Banks locked down his 12th save of the year.

“We just couldn’t put anything together,” said manager Dave Martinez. “You’re not going to win many games with two hits.”

“We’ve got to be better at making adjustments mid-game,” said Keibert Ruiz. “Sánchez had us guessing all night.”

Game 2: Gray Dazzles as Expos Even the Series

The Expos responded emphatically, riding a brilliant start from Josiah Gray (6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 10 K) in a 4-0 shutout. The right-hander dominated, earning his first win of the season while striking out 10.

At the plate, MJ Melendez provided the spark, launching a two-run homer in the fifth inning. He finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Jesse Winker added two hits to pace the Expos' offense.

“That’s the kind of baseball we know we can play,” said Melendez. “When our pitchers give us a chance, we’ve got to capitalize.”

Gray credited his improved command for his stellar outing. “I just felt in control,” he said. “It’s about getting ahead in counts and executing when it matters.”

“We played smart baseball tonight,” said Luis García, who contributed with a key double. “We stayed patient at the plate and backed up our pitching.”

Game 3: Expos Rally Late, Steal Series Finale

The rubber match provided plenty of drama as Montreal mounted a thrilling late-game comeback to claim a 6-5 victory. Down 5-2 in the seventh, the Expos clawed back with Jesse Winker’s two-run home run in the eighth before Juan Yepez delivered the knockout punch a two-run pinch-hit homer in the ninth off White Sox closer Tanner Banks.

Yepez, stepping up cold off the bench, made the most of his only at-bat by launching a no-doubter into the left-field seats.

“I was just looking for something to drive,” said Yepez. “You dream about moments like that.”

“It felt electric in our dugout after that one,” said Jesse Winker, who also homered. “We’ve been waiting for a moment like this to build off.”

Joan Adon (5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 5 K) kept Montreal in the game before the bullpen locked things down. Dylan Floro (1.2 IP, 0 ER) earned the win, while Hunter Harvey picked up his ninth save.

“Games like this show what this team is made of,” said Martinez. “They fought back, stayed in it, and delivered in the clutch.”

Series Recap: Key Stats and Takeaways

Expos’ Pitching Steps Up: Montreal’s starters combined for 17 IP, 7 ER, 20 K, while the bullpen allowed just 2 ER over 8.1 innings.

Offense Wakes Up Late: After scoring just one run in the opener, the Expos put up 10 runs over the final two games.

Hot Bats: MJ Melendez (4-for-12, HR, 4 RBI) and Jesse Winker (5-for-11, HR, 4 RBI) led the charge.

Clutch Gene: Juan Yepez’s pinch-hit blast was the first go-ahead ninth-inning homer of the season for Montreal.

What’s Next?

The Expos will now head to Philadelphia for a three-game set against the Phillies, who currently sit at 20-25. While the Phillies have struggled, they remain a dangerous team, and Montreal will look to keep its momentum rolling.

“We’ve got some fight in us,” said Martinez. “This is what we need to build on.”