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The White Sox found the perfect recipe for Meat Loafing the Orioles last night: One part brilliant pitching by Edwin Jackson; one part robust hitting; mix together at U.S. Cellular field for two to three hours; serve up an 8-0 win.

Jackson hurled -- no, not that kind of hurled -- eight innings of shut out baseball, allowing only three hits and two walks.  His slider was devastating and was responsible for most of the 10 strikeouts he racked up -- the second consecutive game he's reached double digits.  Tony Pena finished up the low-leverage situation by preserving the shutout.

The Jackson for Daniel Hudson trade is looking fairly even at this point.  Jackson's line: 2-0 record, 0.96 ERA, 28.0 IP, 23 H, 4 R, 7 BB (1 intentional), and 34 K.  Hudson's line: 3-1 record, 1.72 ERA, 36.2 IP, 26 H, 7 R, 6 BB (1 intentional), and 36 K.  A bit of an edge to Jackson, especially considering he has to face a DH.

On the offensive side of the ledger, the Sox exploded for 14 hits, the eleventh time in the last twelve games they've reached double digit hits.  Alex Rios led the way with three safeties, followed by Juan Pierre, Paul Konerko, Carlos Quentin, A.J. Pierzynski, and Mark Teahen, who each had two, and Alexei Ramirez with one.

Paulie deserves special mention.  Captain Crunch went 2 for 5 last night and his average over the last 30 at bats dropped.  He had been hitting .560 (14 for 25) and came out hitting .533 (16 for 30).  Give that man a contract extension.  Not five years, but maybe three.

Minnesota finally beat the Rangers yesterday, so the Sox are still 3.5 back in the Central Division race.  The Twins' Magic Number is now down to 32.  Basically, we've got to win four more games than they do.  Let's start with the Yankees who are in town this weekend.  Go Sox!