140

The Magic Number is stuck on 140. That's what happens when you lose to the team that's in first place. The surprising Kansas City Royals came from behind to tip the White Sox 7-6 in 11 innings. Gavin Floyd was ineffective, giving up six runs on six hits and two walks in 5.0 innings (actually, he walked a man in the sixth before being relieved by Matt Thornton). Floyd twice surrendered a four-run lead, wasting the kind of run support that Sox pitchers haven't seen a lot of this season. Lance Broadway gave up the game winner on a single with the bases loaded.

Josh Fields and Jermaine Dye, both returning from sore left wrists as a result of having been hit by pitches, homered to provide a chunk of that support. A.J. Pierzynski was a home run shy of the cycle, collecting four hits in five at bats, plus a walk. Maybe A.J. needed to get plunked on the wrist (for him it would be the right wrist) so he could get that elusive home run.

The injuries to Dewayne Wise and Brian Anderson took their toll on the team yesterday. Ozzie was forced to use Jayson Nix in the outfield -- his first-ever appearance there -- because of a shortage of players who could play the position. Wow, who ever thought we'd miss Jerry Owens? Well, maybe that's going a little too far.

Speaking of missing, it looks like The Update missed with its warning yesterday to keep an eye on Aaron Poreda as a replacement for Jose Contreras after the youngster threw his Double-A no-hitter. The Tribune is reporting that Ozzie has ruled out Poreda, as well as Pedro Martinez for that role. But it's a long season and Poreda may wind up proving us right yet -- just not now.

Anyway, the fourth loss in a row -- this is not the kind of streak we were looking for -- leaves the Sox solidly in fourth place in the division, 3.5 games behind the Royals. The Good Guys return home to host the Tigers for a two-game set. Tonight would be a good time to win one. Go Sox!