Sun Sep 7 10:41:11 2008

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Angels try to inch closer to division crown in Windy City

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(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim try to move one step closer to their fourth AL West title in the last five years this afternoon when they try to salvage the finale of their three-game series with the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Angels' magic number for clinching the division remained at five on Saturday, as Jim Thome's home run in the bottom of the 15th inning sent Chicago to a 7-6 win.

Justin Speier (1-8) started the inning for the Angels, and retired Jermaine Dye on a grounder to third. He then served up the deciding blast to Thome, who launched the pitch into the right-field seats.

For the left-handed slugger, it was not only the game-winner but also the 537th homer of his career, passing Mickey Mantle for sole possession of 14th place on the all-time list.

Paul Konerko and Nick Swisher also homered for the White Sox, who have won three games in a row. Coupled with Minnesota's loss earlier Saturday to Detroit, Chicago holds a 2 1/2 game lead over the Twins in the AL Central.

Ehren Wassermann (1-1) recorded one out in the top of the 15th to record the win. Starter Gavin Floyd allowed seven hits and five runs over seven innings.

Juan Rivera hit a two-run home run, while Chone Figgins, Brandon Wood and Mike Napoli also hit a homer for the Angels, who have dropped two straight and three of four. Starter John Lackey was tagged for nine hits and five runs over seven full frames.

Getting the call for the Angels today will be lefty Joe Saunders, who is 14-7 with a 3.69 ERA. Saunders did not get a decision on Tuesday in Detroit, as he surrendered three runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings of his team's 5-4 win.

Saunders has faced the White Sox three times, posting a 1-1 mark to go along with a 4.58 ERA.

Chicago will counter with 23-year-old lefty John Danks, who has lost his last three starts. Danks was charged with the loss on Tuesday in Cleveland, as the Indians tagged him for four runs and eight hits in four innings, dropping him to 10-8 on the year, while raising his ERA to 3.44.

Danks is 0-1 in two starts versus the Angels with a 1.59 ERA.

Chicago has won five of its nine matchups with the Halos this season.