Morning Box Score: Sox Quit on National Stage, Wells Gutsy for Cubs
By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 5, 2011 2:00PM
Are there any White Sox fans reading this right now who still think this team can win the AL Central? If so, you're either eternal optimists or forever in denial. Mark Buehrle was supposed to be the stopper last night after two disappointing losses at Comerica Park. Instead, he gave up eight runs (seven earned) and 10 hits over 3-1/3 innings and declared the Tigers the better team after the game. The bullpen couldn't solve Detroit's bats, either, with the floodgates wide open for a seven-run sixth inning. Lest anyone think this loss was solely on the pitchers last night, let us also point out the White Sox lineup's season-long troubles scoring runs continued. Sox hitters were 1-for 8 with runners in scoring position and stranded five runners in scoring position. Detroit's sweep of the White Sox puts the South Siders back in third place in the AL Central, 8-1/2 games behind the Tigers. After the weekend, Ozzie called his team essentially surrendering on a national stage "a very bad weekend." Ya think? We're waiting now to see how Sun-Times columnist and Guillen apologist Joe Cowley blames this weekend on Kenny Williams.
The Cubs' late season surge continued as Randy Wells made a case for being included in next year's plans for the team. Wells tossed six innings of one-run ball to improve his record to 7-4 on the season. Wells' record over his past seven starts is 5-0 with a 3.09 ERA. The Cubs' bats were strong in support of Wells. Starlin Castro and Marlon Byrd each drove in two runs to pace the North Siders.