Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 13, 2009 3:45PM

White Sox Edge Angels
The White Sox mustered an extra-inning 4-3 win yesterday in Anaheim and, more importantly, made a move up in their division, sliding into second place ahead of the Minnesota Twins. John Danks pitched a fantastic game, holding the Angels scoreless over six innings and the Sox were up 3-0 thanks in part to solo home runs from Gordon Beckham and Scott Podsednik. But the Sox bullpen gave away the lead, as Matt Thornton and Bobby Janks combined to give up three runs over the eight and ninth innings, forcing extras. In the top of the 10th, Podesednik came through again for the Sox, scoring on a wild pitch to go up 4-3, a lead they would hold for the victory. The Sox also stand alone in second only five games back of Detroit. The teams decide the series today at 2:35 p.m. (CSN).

Reds Down Cubs
The Cubs fell behind early, staged a rally, and gave up runs late on their way to losing to the Reds 7-5. Rookie starter Randy Wells was roughed up for five runs in less than four innings of work as the Cubs fell behind 5-0 early. They fought their way back thanks to A great day at the plate from Geovanny Soto who had key hits in both the sixth and seventh innings, leading the Cubs comeback. But Carlos Marmol - who has converted nine straight save opportunities since becoming the closer in mid-August - didn't have much success in a non-save situation, walking two Reds with two outs and then giving up a hit that gave the Reds the edge. The central division foes square off once more today at 1:20 p.m. (WGN).

College Football

• Down by as many as 11 points twice, Notre Dame fought back against rival Michigan, only to see the Wolverines pull out at a 38-34 win courtesy of a touchdown with only a few seconds remaining. Jimmy Clausen had a great day, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns and Armando Allen, Jr. rolled up 139 yards (and a TD of his own) on the ground, but the defense couldn't hold the last Michigan push.
• Northwestern had their hands full with Eastern Michigan, blowing a 21-0 lead and needing a last second field goal to secure a 27-24 win. Mike Kafka had 158 yards in the air and Stephen Simmons ran for 73, including two touchdowns, but it was Stefan Demos 49 yard field goal with six seconds left that put the Wildcats ahead for good after giving up 21 second-half points.
• Illinois won the game, defeating Illinois State 45-17, but they lost quarterback Juice Williams to a quadricep injury in the game's opening series. Back-up QB Eddie McGee threw for 164 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while the Illini did most of their damage on the ground, running up 384 yards rushing, led by Jason Ford's 137 yards. Williams' strain isn't expected to force him to miss any additional playing time.
• Northern Illinois had no trouble with Western Illinois, cruising to a 41-7 victory. Chandler Harnish threw for 143 yards and Me'co Brown led the ground attack with 117 yards.