51

You don't want to read about it, and I don't want to write about it, so this is going to be short.  The Minnesotas came to the Cell last night tied with the White Sox for first place in the A.L. Central Division.  They left a full game in front, knocking the Sox out of the top spot they've held since July 11.  It was ugly, and I don't mean Winning Ugly.  I mean 12-6  losing ugly.

The Sox pitchers didn't have it.  Freddy Garcia surrendered six runs on eight hits -- including second inning home runs to Jim Thome, J.J. Hardy, and Joe Mauer -- and a walk in just 2.1 innings.  Tony Pena gave up four runs on three hits -- including a Michael Cuddyer four-bagger -- and four walks in 3.2 innings.  And Scott Linebrink allowed two runs on two hits -- including a dinger by Jason Kubel --  in 2.0 innings.  Only Bobby Jenks, pitching in a non-save situation, was able to shut down the Twins, permitting no runs in his 1.0 innings pitched.

The six runs should have been enough to win.  The Good Guys are now 10-5 this year when scoring exactly six runs.  I would have thought they'd be better.  The problem is that in the five losses, they've given up an average of 8.6 runs.  In the 10 wins, by contrast, they've held the opposition to an average of 2.1 runs.  Two of the losses have been to the Twins.  None of those wins has been over a team that currently has a winning record.

Bottom line is the Twins have the Sox's number.  The Pale Hose need to go 6-2 the rest of the year just to break even in the season series.  And remember, there's no coin flip if the two teams tie.  Better record gets home-field advantage in any tie-breaker game.  Go Sox!