Former Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery wasted little time getting involved in his first MLB postseason game.
Montgomery collected two hits and scored a run Tuesday as the Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 6-3 at Daikin Park in Game 1 of their American League wild-card series. He finished 2-for-4, helping Chicago move within one victory of advancing.
His first hit got the White Sox moving early. Montgomery opened the second inning with a single, and Chase Meidroth followed with another. Chicago eventually loaded the bases before Sam Antonacci delivered a two-run single to extend the lead to 3-0. Montgomery scored during that inning, giving the former Aggie an immediate contribution in his playoff debut.
The postseason opportunity
follows a rookie season that included both memorable moments and some growing pains.
Montgomery finished the regular season batting .226 with six home runs, 38 RBIs and 47 runs scored in 93 games. He also recorded 16 doubles and three triples while posting a .312 on-base percentage. Those numbers show there is still work ahead, but Tuesday gave him a productive start on a bigger stage.
He had already made quite an introduction when he reached the majors in June. Montgomery’s first game ended with a walk-off home run against Atlanta. Now, he has added a two-hit playoff debut to his first season in Chicago.
For Aggies fans who followed his path through College Station, seeing Montgomery contribute in October baseball is giving them another familiar face to watch in postseason baseball. The regular season gave him his first extended experience against major league pitching. The playoffs bring a different test, with every at-bat carrying more weight.
Chicago leads the best-of-three series 1-0 and can finish it Wednesday in Houston.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M star OF delivers two hits in MLB postseason debut
