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The Chicago White Sox used a big first inning and a three-run homer from Chase Meidroth to propel them to a 7-3 win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday and sweep their American League wildcard series.

It’s the first time Chicago have won a playoff series since beating Houston in the World Series in 2005. Under the direction of second-year skipper Will Venable 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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© Photograph: Karen Warren/AP

© Photograph: Karen Warren/AP

© Photograph: Karen Warren/AP

In a four-day visit, Pope Leo XIV won praise across the political spectrum, even from its most avowedly secular figures.

© Alberto Pizzoli/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images