The fifth inning decided everything. Minnesota scored four runs to answer Chicago's three-run rally, turning a tight game into a 9-4 advantage that held through a late White Sox surge for a 9-6 victory at Target Field.
Joe Ryan earned his fourth win despite allowing 4 runs over six innings, striking out nine without issuing a walk. Ryan reached 50 career wins in the process, carrying a 3.20 ERA into his next start.
Tristan Gray's grand slam in the fourth inning broke the game open. Gray homered to right center, scoring Austin Martin, Victor Caratini and Luke Keaschall to give Minnesota a 5-1 lead. The blast capped Gray's 1-for-3 night with 5 RBI.
David Sandlin absorbed his first loss, allowing 8 runs over four innings for Chicago. Miguel Vargas provided the White Sox offense with two home runs and 4 RBI, going 3-for-5 with a pair of solo shots and a two-run homer in the ninth that cut the final margin.
Minnesota snapped a five-game losing streak to improve to 27-33. Chicago's five-game winning streak ended as they fell to 32-27. Josh Bell finished 2-for-4 and sits two home runs away from 200 for his career.