Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 30, 2008 2:10PM

Sox Prep For Game 163
As we mentioned last night, Alexei Ramirez powered the White Sox past the Tigers 8-2 in their final game of the season, forcing a one-game playoff with the Minnesota Twins tonight. Do the Sox have anything left in the tank after a stretch-run that saw their AL Central lead evaporate? The Sox say yes. Said Scott Linebrink, "You get passed feeling tired and forget about all those aches and pains...Adrenaline gets you going. Our situation is great -- we fought for this and earned it. One hundred and sixty-two [games weren't] enough so we need one extra, and we wouldn't have it any other way." And as the emotional roller coaster of a season comes to a close, the White Sox are playing with pride, according to Paul Konerko: "Win or lose tomorrow, we will hold our heads high...It's really a good story either way. Minnesota or Chicago is not supposed to be here. Everyone is proud no matter what happens. But we aren't satisfied. We want to win and get in the playoffs."

Tonight's game starts at 6:30 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Field with John Danks taking the mound for the Sox on short rest while Neil Blackburn takes the hill for the Twins. The Sox are 8-10 against the Twins this year, and 1-6 since the All-Star Break. The game will be televised nationally on TBS. The winner mercifully gets Wednesday off before their ALDS game one in Tampa on Thursday afternoon.

Cubs Rest, Ready For Dodgers
With the regular season done, the Cubs are enjoying a few days off before their series with the Dodgers starts Wednesday evening. Ryan Dempster will start for the Cubs against the Dodgers' Derek Lowe. While the Cubs have the best record in the National League and Dempster has been almost unstoppable at home, it's not going to be easy for the North Siders: the Dodgers are one of the NL's hottest teams in the second half of the season and they have some postseason experience on their roster, including Manny Ramirez and manager Joe Torre. Tickets are available at StubHub with standing room only tickets starting at $109.

And don't forget, there's a special Cubs Postseason Rally in Daley Plaza this afternoon at 12 p.m.