149

Finally.  The White Sox won a game Thursday, beating the Rays, 9-2, to end a seven-game losing streak.  The offense came alive and the pitching did the job, two things that haven't happened much lately, and rarely together.

Juan Pierre got everything started in the first inning with a bunt single and a forced throwing error that led to the Sox first run -- and the team's first lead in forever.  Pierre laid down another bunt for a hit in the third inning when the Sox scored four.  Omar Vizquel, who took over second base and the second spot in the order, chipped in a pair of hits.  In fact, the first four in the lineup were a combined 8 for 17, with Carlos Quentin going 1 for 3 (with a walk) and Paul Konerko adding a 3 for 5 performance.  The rest of the team was a pathetic 2 for 19, but that's to be expected when you remove the best four hitters in a game.  For example, subtracting the Rays' top four, who were 5 for 12, leaves you with an ugly 3 for 20.  It's kind of like skimming the cream off the top and being left with milk.  Well, not exactly, since milk isn't necessarily sour, but you get the idea.

Gavin Floyd turned in a Quality Start -- 6.0 innings, two runs, seven hits, seven strikeouts, and two walks -- and for once wasn't betrayed by the bullpen.  Will Ohman, Sergio Santos, and everybody's favorite, Jeff Gray, each tossed an inning of scoreless relief to secure Floyd's second win of the season.
The win drops the Magic Number to 149 -- the team spent two weeks in the 150s, which is an eternity in Magic Number time.  It also moves the Sox back to 5.0 games behind the first-place Indians, who lost last night.  Next, it's on to Detroit to try to beat up on a division foe. Go Sox!