CHICAGO (AP) - Jim Thome supplied the power, John
Danks provided the solid pitching and outfielder Ken Griffey Junior
furnished the defensive play of the game.
The Chicago White Sox are the American League Central champs for
the first time since winning the 2005 World Series, beating the
Minnesota Twins 1-0 in a one-game playoff tonight. The victory
sends the White Sox to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Rays in
Game One of the AL Division Series Thursday.
Danks was superb over eight innings, allowing only two hits
while throwing just 89 pitches. He had a no-hitter until Michael
Cuddyer led off the fifth with a double.
Cuddyer almost scored the game's first run later in the fifth,
but he was cut down at the plate by Griffey to keep the game
scoreless.
Twins starter Nick Blackburn was working on a two-hit shutout
until Thome led off the bottom of the seventh with his 34th homer
of the season, just enough offense for the White Sox to earn their
third straight must-win victory.
Bobby Jenks worked a perfect ninth with help from outfielder
Brian Anderson, who made a diving catch for the game's final out.