9

The White Sox haven't won a game all year when they score only one run, and last night was no exception. They fell to the Yankees, 5-1, wasting a good pitching performance by Clayton Richard. The rookie lasted 6.2 innings and gave up only two runs, the second of which scored on a wild pitch by reliever Mike MacDougal. Scott Linebrink, whom Ozzie has installed as the eighth inning setup man, yielded three runs in his inning of relief, giving up home runs to Johnny Damon and A-Rod. The bullpen continues to be a weak link, although the truth is the Sox aren't going to win when the offense goes to sleep like it did last night.

Good thing Cleveland's offense was awake. It rallied to overtake the Twins and complete the sweep. Minnesota's loss chops the Magic Number to 9 and preserves the Sox's 2.5 game lead in the Central Division.

Tonight, Javier Vazquez, pitching on three days rest, faces Mike Mussina as the Sox make their final appearance ever in Yankee Stadium. The Update predicted only one victory for this series, and while we'd happily be proven wrong, we don't think it's going to happen. Fortunately, the Twins head down to Tampa to square off against the Rays, who are in their own dogfight for a division crown. That's a tough place for a visiting team to win. Let's hope it continues to be that way and that the Rays take at least two out of three. Go Rays! Go Sox!