Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on May 21, 2009 3:00PM

Sox Topple Twins
A huge fourth inning was all the White Sox needed against Minnesota on Wednesday, as they beat the Twins 7-4. After three scoreless frames Minnesota began the fourth by putting two runs on the board, but the Sox bats had bigger plans. Paul Konerko flicked a 2-2 slider into the left field stands to start the party and tie the game at two. Corky Miller then doubled home Alexei Ramirez and Jayson Nix drew a walk to load the bases for Jermaine Dye. There was no doubt about Dye’s drive to left, as he powered the Sox to a 7-2 advantage with his eighth career grand slam. The Twins’ Michael Cuddyer tried to make it a game again in the sixth with a two-run homer, but the Sox ‘pen came in and cleaned up. Four Chicago relievers combined to allow just one base runner over the final 3.1 innings as the Sox cruised to victory. Starter John Danks got the win, improving to 3-3 on the season, and Bobby Jenks picked up his ninth save. Chicago will go for the series sweep today at 1:05.

Cards Edge Cubs
The Cubs were once again stymied by St. Louis’ pitching on Wednesday night, falling to the Cardinals 2-1. The absence of offense put the pressure on starter Ryan Dempster, who was saddled with the loss despite allowing only two runs and six hits over seven innings. Lead-off doubles in the fourth and seventh ultimately led to the Cubs' demise, but Chicago showed some fight in the ninth. Trailing 2-0 with two out, Micah Hoffpauir singled home Milton Bradley and moved pinch-runner Ryan Freel over to third base. Reed Johnson stepped to the plate in the pitcher’s spot, but struck out swinging to end a seven-pitch at-bat and the Cubs’ chance at victory. Chris Carpenter earned the win for the Cardinals, pitching five scoreless innings in his return from an injured oblique. The Cubs will try to salvage a win against Adam Wainwright tonight, before heading to San Diego for three games with the Padres.