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Chicago now plays four at home against another team still in the running for the postseason, the Tampa Bay Rays, and then finishes the season with three at Cleveland.
"Obviously, now you need help. Even if you win out, they can win out, and it doesn't work," Konerko said. "That's about it."
The Tigers finish a series with Kansas City at home on Thursday and then close the season with six road games against the Twins and the Royals.
Pierzynski, who played on Chicago's World Series-winning team with Konerko in 2005, said the White Sox's approach will be the same over the final week.
"There's no pressing. I don't think anything is going to change," he said. "I don't see guys coming in tomorrow nervous as they can be or trying too hard."
The White Sox scored three in the bottom of the first off Cleveland starter Justin Masterson, loading the bases on a walk and back-to-back singles by Kevin Youkilis and Adam Dunn. Paul Konerko drew a walk to force in a run, Alex Rios hit a sacrifice fly and A.J. Pierzynski had an RBI double for a 3-1 lead.
Masterson lasted 4 2-3 innings, giving up seven hits, four runs and four walks.
Chicago starter Hector Santiago was in trouble throughout, struggling with his control from the outset and making it through only 3 1-3 innings.
He gave up two walks and an RBI single to Russ Canzler in the first. And Cleveland got two in the fourth to tie it. After a single and two more walks loaded the bases, reliever Brian Omogrosso was greeted by Jason Kipnis' two-run single.
NOTES: Rottino, who entered the game in the seventh, had two homers earlier this season while with the Mets. ... The Indians left 14 on base. ... Rios' sacrifice fly gave him 88 RBIs, tying the career high he set with the White Sox in 2010. ... Cleveland SS Asdrubal Cabrera left the game after batting in the top of the first because of a mid-back strain. Lillibridge took over at short. ... Indians CF Michael Brantley (sore groin) was out of the lineup for the third consecutive game. After Thursday's day off, manager Manny Acta said Brantley should be ready to play Friday. . INF Jason Donald (right hand) hit Wednesday during a simulated game and might be available for full duties on Friday.
[Associated
Press;
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