Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 3, 2009 3:00PM

Sox Storm Back
Given their recent losing streak and struggles, one wouldn't think the White Sox would be able to pull off one of the season's most thrilling rallies. But that's exactly what happened as the Pale Hose - down to their last strike - rallied for four runs in the ninth off Twins closer Joe Nathan to pull off an improbable 4-2 victory. Down 2-0 with two outs and an 0-2 count, Gordon Beckham fought his way back in the at bat and smacked a solo shot that cut the lead to 2-1. Paul Konerko followed and, after also being worked to a two-strike count, also smacked a solo shot to tie the game. Next, Nathan walked Jermaine Dye (replaced on base by Dewayne Wise) and Carlos Quentin before being yanked. Matt Guerrier got the Twins once more a strike away from ending the Sox half of the ninth with an 0-2 count on Alexei Ramirez but Ramirez won that battle with a single that plated Wise and sent Quentin to third. Quentin would score on a wild pitch to the next batter, Alex Rios, putting the Sox up by two runs. In the bottom of the ninth, reliever Bobby Jenks allowed a two-out single but the Twins couldn't replicate the two-out rally as Jenks got the final out to secure the save. Perhaps the most appropriate quote on the ridonkulous win in the most unfriendly setting for the Sox came from ace Mark Buehrle, who said, "Just about the time we played our last game here, I think we figured out how to win."

Cubs Blank 'Stros
No dramatics at Wrigley as Ted Lilly pitched eight sterling, shutout innings and led the Cubs to a 2-0 win over Houston. Lilly struck out five, scattered four hits, and didn't allow a single walk in one of his best starts of the year; the victory gives him 10 wins, placing him in a tie with rookie Randy Wells for the team lead. Derek Lee's two-run homer in the fourth was the only Cubs offense in the game, but it was all the North Siders needed to stay ahead of the Astros. The Cubs are 5-4 on the current homestand and hope to finish on a winning note in this afternoon's make-up against the White Sox. The team is still six games out in the NL wild card race.

Today's Cubs-Sox make-up game gets underway at 1:20 p.m. and will be televised on WGN.