84

A one hour and 56 minute rain delay meant that the Update couldn't stay up to watch the end of the White Sox-Red Sox game last night. We went to bed with the Pale Hose leading by two going into the eighth and with no confidence that they'd hang on to win, but that's exactly what they did: Chicago 4, Boston 2. A.J. Pierzynski went 3 for 4 with three RBI, and Paul Konerko lined a ball into the last row of the Green Monster seats for his 21st home run of the season and his 13th in the last 35 games. Javier Vazquez pitched 6.1 innings of two-run ball, was not betrayed by the bullpen, and earned his fourth win in his last four decisions. Matt Thornton allowed one hit, but Ryan Bukvich (we always think Rudy Bukich when we see his name) pitched out the jam, with the help of a fine catch at the wall in deep center by Jerry Owens. Bobby Jenks threw a scoreless, hitless ninth to notch his 26th save.

The Sox win -- their third in their last four games -- cut the Magic Number to 84. Unfortunately, Detroit and Cleveland keep winning, so the Sox remain 15.5 games back of the Tigers, and 13.5 games behind the Tribe for the Wild Card berth. The Sox did stretch their lead in the imaginary A.L. Worst division to a full game over the Orioles, so they've got a good shot at making the imaginary post-season. Imagine that. Go Sox!