The White Sox won their Opening Day game at Rate Field against the Los Angeles Angels Thursday, as Sean Burke pitched six sparkling innings and Will Venable got his first win as a big-league manager.

The final score was 8-1.

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 threw the first pitch at the game.

Sean Burke throws 6 shutout innings

Former Chicago Bulls MVP Derrick Rose Derrick Rose got the fans going early with a stellar first pitch to cap off the opening day pregame festivities.

After that, Burke did quite well taking over the pitching duties — throwing six shutout innings as the White Sox blasted their way to their much-enjoyed opening-day win. They played a Los Angeles Angels team that featured former White Sox slugger Tim Anderson.

"It was awesome. I think that that's definitely the most fun I've ever had pitching in front of these fans at home," Burke said. "That first inning after I struck out [Tim Anderson], that was just the craziest time emotionally — the fans cheering and everything — so I couldn't have dreamt it up any better."

Burke (1-0) allowed three hits, struck out three and walked none. Penn Murfee, Jordan Leasure and Mike Clevinger combined for three scoreless innings before Logan O'Hoppe homered for the Angels against Cam Booser in the ninth.

Andrew Benintendi, Lenyn Sosa and Austin Slater homered as Chicago began what it hopes will be a more promising season than a year ago.

Venable, 42, stepped into a challenging rebuilding project when he was hired in October. The former big-league outfielder was an associate manager for Texas the past two years.

"This is a new season and a clean slate, and we're excited to get off to a good start," said Venable. "These guys have been in a lot of work. For that to end in a win to start the season means a lot for us."

This was just one game, but the vibes are already feeling better on the South Side. The Sox are over .500 for the first time since winning the 2023 opener. 

For the Angels, Yusei Kikuchi (0-1) pitched six innings of three-run ball in his Los Angeles debut. The Japanese left-hander signed a $63 million, three-year contract with the Angels in free agency.

Los Angeles lost on opening day for the 11th time in the last 12 years, including four in a row.

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The White Sox are coming off a historically bad season, setting a new MLB record of 121 losses last year. It's expected to be another building year for the franchise; the Sox restocked its minor league system, but help still appears to be a couple years away.

The team has new leadership in the dugout with Venable taking over for Pedro Grifol, who was fired last August in the midst of a brutal 41-121 season. Venable was an associate manager under Bruce Bochy in Texas for the past two years. Chicago dealt pitcher Garrett Crochet to Boston, but the White Sox hung onto Luis Robert Jr. for now coming off an injury-riddled season. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi was expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking his right hand when he was hit by a pitch during a spring training game in late February. 

Infielder Josh Rojas is healing from a hairline fracture in his big toe, putting his availability for Opening Day in question, and Brandon Drury missed the start of the season due to a fractured left thumb, the team said Saturday.

The team has almost completely overhauled its roster. Returning players include Andrew Vaughn, Andrew Benintendi, and Luis Robert, who is hoping for a bounce-back season. But most of the team's stars have been traded away during the last year or more.

Fans excited to be back, though some are tempering expectations

For Sox fans, the scoreboard with its famous pinwheels at Rate Field was a sight for sore eyes. For die-hard White Sox fans like Teresa Divirgilio, turning out on opening day has become a time-honored family tradition.

She has attended for as long as she could remember, alongside her dad, It is a tradition she continues even after his passing 3 years ago.

"It's one of my favorite days of the year," Divirgilio said. "This holds a really special place in my heart — especially for my dad — and it's different without him, but its' nostalgic, and I do love the feeling of being back every year."

Divirgilio was among the throng of fans that streamed into rate field well before the opening pitch, soaking in the sights and sounds of what many hope is a season of redemption for the White Sox.

"It's a little rainy, but we're going to pump it up for the White Sox," said Jay Lamorte, who came with a whole suburban squad.

Lamorte has attended White Sox opening day for more than 15 years. He is not letting last season's loss record taint the mood. He is looking ahead.

"We're not going to have a year like we had last year. It's not going to happen," Lamorte said. "It's going to be slightly better."

Meanwhile, longtime fan Tom Braxton — who has attended 45 home openers — is taking the realistic approach this season…

"They improved their pitching, which is good. Obviously, they've got to have good pitching," Braxton said. "But at the moment — unless some blockbuster trades are made, which I don't foresee coming — they're just not hitting well."

Divirgilio said she is not all about the team's record.

"You know, with the wins and losses, I've never been like, 'Oh, I'm not going to be a fan anymore.' It's never been that," she said. "It's just the understanding that in sports you have highs and lows, and obviously the history we made last season was not great."

Before the game started in the afternoon, and the first 20,000 fans into the ballpark received a commemorative blanket from BMO.

Meanwhile, parking lots opened three hours before first pitch Thursday, and gates opened two hours before the first pitch. Anyone tailgating before a White Sox game is advised to review the Sox's do's and don'ts. 

New food and drinks at Rate Field in 2025

It might be the best part of the new baseball season each year: new ballpark food and drink at Rate Field.

There are more than two dozen new treats to try from concessions partners Delaware North and Levy Restaurants including loaded tater tots, patty melts and sweets.

There's also a new spin on the ever-popular signature Campfire Milkshake, which is topped with graham crackers, toasted marshmallows and chocolate. The new version is made with cake.

There's also new Korean food, including hot dogs on a stick that can be dipped in cornflakes, Cheetos and more, and bubble waffles stuffed with everything from chicken to ice cream,

How to get to Rate Field

If you want to avoid traffic and parking for any Sox game, taking public transportation to Rate Field is highly recommended. Rate Field is located near the Sox-35th Street CTA Red Line stop and the 35th Street Station CTA Green Line stop is just two blocks farther east.

The 35th Street Rock Island Line Metra stop is also conveniently located just east of the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Anyone using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft should be dropped off at and picked up from the Rideshare Lot in Lot A on the Wentworth Avenue side. The lot is open until one hour after the end of the game.

Where do I park and can I get pre-paid parking passes?

There are multiple paid parking lots at Rate Field for fans who want to drive down and even tailgate before a Sox game. Prepaid parking passes are accepted at lots A, B, C and G on the north side of the stadium, while day-of parking is available to purchase at the credit/debit lots F and L on the south side of the ballpark. Parking can be purchased in advance here.

There are heavy parking restrictions in the neighborhoods around the stadium. Residents and fans must follow restrictions, permit requirements and other city regulations in effect on game day.

Additional information and restrictions

Rate Field is a cashless ballpark, including the parking lots, retails shops and concessions stands. If you have cash and not a credit or debit card, you can purchase White Sox gift cards at the advance ticket windows.

Backpacks and bags are prohibited at Rate Field with the exception of single-pocket clear tote bags that are 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches or smaller, and diaper when infants are present.

Fans with medical requirements like breast pumps, insulin, Epi-pens, oxygen or other medical devices may be allowed to bring them into the park but those items will be subject to search. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report