CLEVELAND — The Chicago White Sox have clinched the American League Central title by virtue of a 7-2 victory over the second-place Cleveland Indians on Thursday.
The White Sox (86-66) lead the Indians (74-77) by 11½ games ahead of Game 2 of their doubleheader Thursday night. It’s the sixth division championship for the White Sox and first since 2008. They are the first MLB team to clinch a division this season and are making their first back-to-back postseason appearances in franchise history.
The decisive win came on the strength of four home runs, including two by All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson in the first two innings of the game. Outfielders Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert had back-to-back home runs in the second inning.
“The way I look at it, it’s a special opportunity that this team has earned over six months,” manager Tony La Russa said before the game.
The White Sox are likely to face the Houston Astros in the ALDS next month. Despite the division title, the White Sox haven’t been as strong in the second half, compiling a 32-31 record through Game 1 of the doubleheader.
Source: www.espn.com