Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in Miscellaneous on Jul 1, 2009 3:00PM
White Sox Thump Tribe
The White Sox hit Cleveland ace Cliff Lee early and often on their way to a rain-shortened 11-4 drubbing of the Indians. The Sox got off to a quick start, knocking in four runs in the first including a two-run homer from Paul Konerko. Rookie Gordon Beckham went yard in the third and Josh Fields added a solo shot in the fifth as the Sox scored in each of the first six innings except the second and chased Lee after knocking him around for seven runs in just over three innings pitched. As for the Sox, Clayton Richard gave up four runs, struck out six, and got the win. The rain - which forced the game to be called in the top of the seventh - also helped preserve the Sox bullpen as Richard threw all six innings for the Sox. The final game of the series gets underway in Cleveland tonight at 6:05 p.m. (WCIU).
Bucs Blank Cubs
The Cubs' roller coaster season continued as they were shut-out by the Pirates 3-0. Ted Lilly had an effective outing, giving up three runs and striking out seven over seven innings, but in the storyline of the season, the Cubs bats were silent, shut down by Pittsburgh's Ross Ohlendorf, who pitched seven scoreless innings. Maintaining an age-old Cubs storyline, the team went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring positions, squandering the few opportunities they had. If you're waiting for the Cubs to put together a winning streak, like one fan who's going on a hunger strike until the team wins five in a row, don't hold your breath. The Cubs are 6-8 since their last day off - the June 16th rain out versus the White Sox - and finished June at 11-14, their first losing month since 2007. The rubber match of the series is tonight at 6:05 p.m. (CSN).
Sky Soar Past Monarchs
The Chicago Sky remained undefeated at home in '09, edging the Sacramento Sky 74-72 last night. Jia Perkins led the team with 17 points and dished out eight assists. Sylvia Fowles impressed with a double-double, scoring 14 and pulling down 14 rebounds. Next up for the Sky is a trip to San Antonio on Friday.
Fire Knocked From US Open
The Chicago Fire, winners of four previous U.S. Open tournaments, found themselves bounced from this year's tournament courtesy of a 1-0 loss to the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL's Second Division. The Fire, sitting usual starters like McBride and Blanco, got off 15 shots but couldn't get one passed Wilmington keeper Darryl Sattler. Next up for the Fire is a return to MLS play in Colorado this Saturday night.