12

The White Sox failed to take advantage of a Quality Start by Mark Buehrle last night, when the bullpen gave up two runs to the Yankees in a 4-2 loss. It's a story we're becoming all too familiar with. Starter pitches well, or at least well enough, and relievers pour gasoline on the fire. The Sox were able to get away with it twice on Sunday, but it caught up to them yesterday in the Bronx. The only good news is that Minnesota lost again, to the Indians in Cleveland, so the Magic Number drops to 12 and the lead stays at 1.5 games.

So how's this thing going to wind up? Our crystal ball says the Sox win one in New York, two in KC, one in Minnesota, and two at home against the Indians. The Twins will win one at Cleveland and one in Tampa, and take two from the Sox and sweep the Royals at home. That leaves both teams with 89 wins, so the Sox will be forced to make up the rainout with Detroit. And they'll win it to avoid having to play the Twins in a playoff. Let's hope the baseball gods agree. Go Sox!