Yankees cap 3-game sweep of White Sox
Sunday was getaway day across the major leagues, and the White Sox no doubt couldn't get away from the East Coast fast enough after dropping an 8-3 decision to the Yankees in New York.
The loss capped a three-game sweep by the Yankees, ending a tough first two legs of a brutal 11-game road trip that began with the Sox dropping three of four in Boston.
Adding to the White Sox' misery was news that both Detroit and Minnesota staged late rallies Sunday, dropping the Sox 6 games behind the division-leading Tigers and 11/2 behind the Twins with a three-game series at the Metrodome kicking off Monday night.
A make-or-break series, according to Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.
"I think the next three games, win or we're out," Guillen told reporters. "I'm pretty sure, because the momentum of the ballclub, if we don't win this series in Minnesota, I don't think this ballclub is going to be as high as it can be.
"We have to win the series there. There's no doubt. If we lose this series, it's going to be hard for us to get where we want to get. It's going to be pretty tough, and hopefully those guys know about it."
Sox starter Freddy Garcia (0-2) sure pitched like he knew it Sunday, going a strong 6 innings and allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, the big blow being Johnny Damon's 2-run homer in the third inning.
"For three innings, I was a little off, but I got it going," Garcia said. "It's no joke, this (Yankees) lineup."
Damon's blast would be all the offense the Yankees - using a total of six different pitchers - would need because with Garcia out of the game New York feasted on the Sox' bullpen with a 5-run seventh.
Mark Teixeira's 3-run homer off Scott Linebrink put the game out of reach.
A day after an exasperated Guillen called his team's performance "embarrassing," the Sox skipper was using a lighter touch following this latest loss.
"It's a pretty nice ballpark, a very attractive ballpark, and the hotel we stayed at was very nice," he said. "That's all I can say."
Mike Spellman's game tracker
Yankees 8, White Sox 3
Freddy Cruiser: In his third start since rejoining the Sox, Freddy Garcia gave manager Ozzie Guillen everything he was hoping for, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs over 6 innings and, most important, keeping his team in the game - once again.
Difference-makers: Two White Sox relievers - Randy Williams and Scott Linebrink - allowed a total of 5 earned runs in 2 innings. Five Yankees relievers allowed 1 earned run over 6 innings. Game. Set. Match.