Scott Merkin

Shane Smith on his first Cubs/Sox experience: "I look forward to doing it again ... It’s my first time in a lot of stadiums so it’s tough to tell, but I like playing in Chicago either way."

Venable on PCA: "The guy can do a lot of things on the baseball field. Wish he had done a little bit less today. He's a really good player and obviously had a great game. Can beat you in a lot of ways."

Vargas, with a wry smile, when asked if he saw this change coming despite the 2024 struggles: "I don’t remember anything about last year. Sorry."

Miguel Vargas if he considers himself a home run hitter at some level: "No, I just consider myself a baseball player."

Injury rehab updates: Tauchman and Lee sound as if they will be ready for return by the start of the next homestand (Monday starts it). Slater is not far behind them. The White Sox will decide next week whether Benintendi can return or needs an injury rehab.

Four hits for Vargas. He's a triple short of the cycle.

Four hits and six RBIs for Pete Crow Armstrong. 10-3 Cubs in the 7th

That's the third wonky attempt for the Cubs outfield on a sun affected fly ball. They are 2 for 3 on those attempts.

Vargas is doing it all over the field. Just took at least one run away from the Cubs and Carson Kelly with a great diving stop and perfect throw to first.

Miguel Castro making his White Sox debut

Tyler Gilbert left the game with left knee soreness

Vargas is 25-for-73 with five homers and 13 RBIs over his last 20 games.

Those hits weren't falling for Vargas in '24 or the first few weeks of this season. He's 3-for-3 today.

Shane Smith's ERA now sits at 2.04 after 89 pitches and five innings today.

Aside from the six-run second, where five of the runs were unearned, Shane Smith has been outstanding. Vargas leading off the third with two homers to his credit, facing Daniel Palencia.

Home runs allowed by Shane Smith this season: Rafael Devers, April 19 in Boston Pete Crow Armstrong, today

First career multi-homer game for Vargas