Needing to win their final three games to have a shot at the playoffs, the Chicago White Sox got off to a good start with an 11-0 win against the Cleveland Indians on Monday.
Chicago temporarily moves within two-and-a-half games of the Detroit Tigers who are currently leading the Tigers 6-2. If the Tigers win, they would clinch the American League Central and eliminate the White Sox from the playoffs.
Making just his fifth start of the season, Hector Santiago was dominant for Chicago. He pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out 10. The only hit Santiago allowed was a Shin-Soo Choo single in the third inning.
The White Sox failed to get on the board for the first five innings but provided Santiago plenty of run support with a four-run sixth inning. Adam Dunn, Alex Rios, A.J. Pierzynski and Dayan Viciedo all drove in runs for Chicago during the inning. The White Sox added one more run in the eighth inning before blowing it open with six runs in the ninth. Viciedo capped the scoring with a grand slam.
Corey Kluber started the game for the Indians, allowing four runs over 5-2/3 innings. The Indians' offense was able to muster just three baserunners.
The series will continue Tuesday with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Whether or not the White Sox still have something to play for remains to be seen.