Four home runs were hit by the White Sox, including two from Tim Anderson. They beat the Indians 7-2 to clinch the AL Central title. (1:06).
CLEVELAND -- On Thursday, the Chicago White Sox won 7-2 against the Cleveland Indians to clinch the American League Central title.
The White Sox (86-66) lead the Indians (74-57) by 11 games, ahead of Game 2 in their doubleheader on Thursday night. This is the White Sox' sixth division title and their first since 2008. They are the first MLB team in this year's division to win it and will be making their first consecutive postseason appearances in franchise history.
Four home runs were the key to the decisive win, including two from All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson during the first two innings. In the second inning, Eloy Jimenez (outfielder) and Luis Robert (outfielder) hit back-to-back homers.
Tony La Russa, manager of the team, stated before the game that "it's a special chance that this team has earned over 6 months."
The White Sox will likely face the Houston Astros next month in the ALDS. Despite winning the division title, the White Sox aren't as strong in second half. They have a record of 32-31 through Game 1 of this doubleheader.
Tim Anderson hit a pair of home runs during the White Sox's AL Central-clinching win Thursday. Jason Miller/Getty Images
The White Sox's season was about overcoming injuries. Anderson was sidelined by leg injuries in the second half of the season, as Anderson lost Robert, Jimenez and second baseman Nick Madrigal.
Role players and rookies such as Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets stepped in and did not miss a beat.
Because of the strength and determination of their starting team, the White Sox climbed to first place in May. All-Stars Lance Lynn, Carlos Rodon and Carlos Rodon commanded a rotation with the second-best ERA of the American League as of Thursday. Chicago added All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel to its bullpen before the deadline, even though he has had some struggles in a White Sox uniform.
Jose Abreu, the AL MVP in 2012, has been a force behind the plate once more. He drove in 113 runs and he tries to lead the league with RBIs for the third consecutive season. In this category, he trails Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals by two.
La Russa will make it to the postseason for his 35-year career as a manager. After a decade of absence, he returned to retirement last winter to take over the 1979-1979 team.
In 1983, the White Sox won by 20 games the AL West under La Russa.
