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White Sox Clinch Division Title in Thursday Doubleheader Split

Tony La Russa stood in the visiting dugout, soaking in the scene as the Chicago White Sox celebrated their first AL Central title since 2008 after a 7-2 victory over Cleveland in a doubleheader opener Thursday. 

 

Chicago (86-66) moved into first place for good on May 7. The White Sox have not advanced in the postseason since winning the 2005 World Series and last hosted a playoff game 13 years ago.

 

Anderson hit his fifth leadoff home run of the season and added a three-run drive in the second for his sixth career multi-homer game. Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez hit consecutive homers in the second as Chicago grabbed a 7-0 lead off Aaron Civale (11-5).

 

Aaron Bummer (4-5) retired all three batters in the fifth as four White Sox relievers combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a game shortened to seven innings under pandemic rules.

 

Closer Liam Hendriks struck out Myles Straw to end the game, setting off a celebration in front of the visiting dugout that featured players saluting the several hundred White Sox fans at Progressive Field.

 

As heard on WHOW, Oscar Mercado broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run homer in the seventh as Cleveland earned a split of the Thursday doubleheader. Straw led off with a single and Mercado followed with his first game-ending home run, a drive off Jose Ruiz (1-3).

 

The White Sox trailed 3-2 entering the seventh, but strung together three straight hits against Emmanuel Clase (4-5). Gavin Sheets scored when Hernandez hit into a forceout.

 

Shane Bieber (7-4), who hasn't pitched since for the Indians since June 13 because of a strained right shoulder, is scheduled to start Friday night. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner will face White Sox RHP Dylan Cease (12-7).

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