While I was busy watching the Bears snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at a balmy Soldier Field, Dewayne Wise, Paul Konerko and John Danks filled the White Sox highlight reel, as the Sox took the rubber match in Kansas City. More importantly, they maintained their 2.5 game lead over the Twins as they head for a season-deciding 3-game set in the Humpdome on Tuesday.
The working margin is extremely important, as the Sox have struggled in domes this season (2-12, including 1-5 against Minnesota) and traditionally have folded in September against the Twins. [Looking it up, that appears to be a Jerry Manuel era trait. Ozzie Guillen's Sox have fared much better in late season matchups with the Twins (13-9 after Aug 31st).]
The White Sox Magic Number sits at 5, which means that 2 wins in Minnesota essentially eliminates the Twins; since they'd have to win out and have the Sox lose out just to force a 1-game playoff. 1 win in Minnesota lowers the Magic Number to 3, and makes for an uncomfortable final weekend; but a final weekend that probably comes out in the Sox favor. Essentially, the Sox are just looking to avoid a sweep. Though, I'd prefer 2 out of 3 just to get this thing finished.