31 (17*)

The White Sox lost the first game they played yesterday, 4-3, but after winning the second game by the same score, they now have a two-game winning streak. No, the second game doesn't count for two. The first game -- the completion of an April game that was suspended after 11 innings -- counts as having been played back then. This might just cause a warp in the space-time continuum, so it's better, and more fun, if we don't speak of that 14-inning affair and just focus on the second game.

Jim Thome broke a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning with his 28th home run of the season. Thome also broke a tie with Jimmy Foxx on the career homer list -- this was No. 535 -- and now trails Mickey Mantle by one. While it seems like Thome hasn't been here that long, it was his 105th home run since joining the Sox.

Thome wasn't the only offensive force for the Sox. Alexei Ramirez, batting leadoff and playing short, collected four hits. The Missile raised his average from .307 to .314 and continued to build his case for Rookie of the Year. We know that Evan Longoria is thought to have that sewn up, but Alexei is making it a horse race. Combine his hitting with all the Web Gems he has this season and you've got one hell of a year.

Speaking of rookies, Clayton Richard contributed a Quality Start and got the win, his second. Richard lasted six innings and yielded three runs before turning it over to Octavio Dotel, Matt Thornton, and Bobby Jenks, who each pitched one inning of scoreless relief. Jenks earned his 26th save, even after his "marathon" two-inning stint on Sunday.

Joe Crede made his return last night and played to mixed reviews. He went hitless in four at bats, but contributed some fine defense. It'll be interesting to see how Ozzie uses Crede, Ramirez, Juan Uribe, and Orlando Cabrera over the next month or so. Last night OC rested while Ramirez played short and Uribe -- the former starting shortstop -- played second. Looks like there's a lot of flexibility there, and that doesn't even count Chris Getz.

With the split and Minnesota's loss to Seattle -- thank you, Mariners -- the Sox have a one game lead and a Magic Number of 31. There are 31 games left in the regular season and it looks like it's going to be quite a ride. Go Sox!

*17 days until our future grandson's due date