White Sox pull Cease from must-win game after 5 outs

Chicago White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease was removed from Game 3 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros before the end of the second inning after allowing three runs on two hits and issuing three walks, and he left with two out in the frame.

The White Sox need to win on Sunday to avoid elimination.

Cease looked to be in top form to open the contest while recording three quick outs in the first. He struck out Alex Bregman with a 100-mph fastball to finish the inning.

But things unraveled quickly in the second, with Cease issuing walks to Yordan Alvarez and Carlos Correa. Kyle Tucker then brought them both home with a double.

Cease labored through three more batters before flame-throwing reliever Michael Kopech replaced him.

Houston has pummeled Chicago's normally reliable starting pitching this series, plating 12 runs on 11 hits while drawing 10 walks over 9 2/3 innings.

The Astros were also ruthless on social media after Cease received the early hook.

Despite the disappointing outing on Sunday, Cease enjoyed a breakout season in 2021. He went 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA (3.40 FIP), 1.25 WHIP, and 226 strikeouts over 165 2/3 innings.