Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 23, 2008 1:30PM

Cubs Thump Mets
In what could be a possible playoff preview (though looking more unlikely as the Mets continue another historic choke job), the Cubs rolled into New York and thumped the Mets 9-5 last night. Down 2-1 in the top of the fourth, Jason Marquis belted a grand slam and Derek Lee followed with a solo shot, becoming the fifth Cub to reach 20 homers this year. But Marquis was the story. Besides the slam, he also pitched 6 and 2/3, giving up four runs and striking out four, while earning his 11th win of the season. Said the game's hero, "Obviously, I'm just trying to help myself any way possible. Guys did a good job of getting on base. I just looked for a ball I could hit hard. Any time you have a chance to help yourself, why not? I was just looking for a ball I could drive." The even bigger news for the Cubs? With the win, they've secured home-field advantage through the NLCS. The AL holds the World Series advantage thanks to their win in the All-Star Game this year.

Sox Get a Breather
The White Sox had Monday off as the prepare for their big series with the Twins, which starts tonight in Minnesota. The Sox hold a 2.5 game lead over the Twins, but with Boston running away with the Wild Card, they'll need to win the division to make it to the postseason.