Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Jun 9, 2009 3:00PM

Sox Split Doubleheader
Following game one's 5-4 defeat, game two was much more to Chicago’s liking, as Jose Contreras led the Sox to a 6-1 victory in his triumphant return to the mound. Sent down in early May to get his act together, Contreras reemerged Monday night, pitching eight brilliant innings of one-hit, one-walk baseball. Offensively, the Sox rediscovered their stride. Alexei Ramirez, Scott Podsednik and Jim Thome all homered off Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman, who was making his own return after missing a full year due to shoulder surgery. Chicago tagged Bonderman with two more runs in the fifth as they strung together four consecutive base knocks to start the inning. Ramirez and Jermaine Dye each collected a trio hits in the contest, and Thome picked up three RBIs. Ultimately finishing the day where they started, the Sox have three more chances in this series to chip away at Detroit’s 4.5-game division lead. The two teams will polka tonight at 7:11, being that it's Polish Heritage Night at the Cell.

The Cubs were off to travel to Houston where they'll face the Astros starting tonight at 7:05 p.m.