Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Jul 27, 2009 3:00PM

Cubs Sweep Reds
The Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 5-2, on Sunday afternoon, giving them a series sweep and sole possession of first place in the N.L. Central. Starter Rich Harden held the Reds to just one hit (albeit a home run) through six innings of work, while at the plate, Kosuke Fukudome drew a bases-loaded walk and Alfonso Soriano hit an RBI double to give Chicago an early 2-1 lead. The Cubs then extended their advantage to four in the late goings, thanks to run-scoring at-bats by Jake Fox, Koyie Hill and Fukudome once again. The Cubs' offense, one of the least raucous in the league during the first half of the season, is averaging better than 12 hits per game over their last four contests. They'll stay put to host the Houston Astros, with a first pitch at 7:05.

Sox Best Tigers
The White Sox rebounded from three consecutive losses to defeat the Detroit Tigers 5-1 on Sunday evening. Chicago did all of its damage early, scoring four in the first and one in the second off the youngster Rick Porcello. Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham swung the big bats for the Sox, each contributing a home run to the cause, and Clayton Richard continued his resurgence with eight strong innings on the mound. The win puts the Sox two behind the Tigers and two ahead of the Twins, as they travel to Minnesota for a three-game series that starts tonight.