Can White Sox take advantage of lull in schedule?

Stop if you've heard this before, but it's time for the Chicago White Sox to make hay.

True, they have only been over .500 one time this season, on May 18 at 18-17.

The Sox have kept close to the break-even point multiple times, most recently on July 29 when they were 49-50.

Every time it has looked like an extended run was coming, the White Sox slid back. That should immediately tell you this team doesn't even qualify as being mediocre, but the Sox are still in the playoff hunt thanks to the addition of the second wild card.

Heading into Monday night's game against the Angels in Anaheim, California, the White Sox were a reasonable 5 games out of the final wild-card spot, and the schedule was looking very favorable.

The Sox didn't take immediate advantage, losing to the Angels 2-1.

Los Angeles took the lead in the second inning when Albert Pujols hit a home run (No. 32) off Sox starter Carlos Rodon.

The White Sox tied it in the third. Adam Eaton singled with one out and Angels starter Andrew Heaney hit Jose Abreu with a pitch.

Melky Cabrera followed with a groundball that should have been turned for a double play, but second baseman Johnny Giavotella made a wild throw to first and Eaton came around to score.

C.J. Cron's home run off Rodon (5-5) with one out in the seventh inning decided the outcome. Heading into the game, Los Angeles was 6-17 since July 23, the worst record in the major leagues.

The Sox (55-61) are playing a four-game series against the Angels before moving to Seattle for three games against the Mariners, who are a disappointing 55-64.

After that, the White Sox return to U.S. Cellular Field for three games against the woeful Red Sox (52-66) and four more against Seattle.

If the White Sox can take advantage of the break in the schedule, the first order of business is getting to .500.

"I think there's something to that," Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "You want to get there and get back in the hunt. Get as close as you can and start winning games. For us, I think the feeling is there. They feel like they can go out and win games, and that's important. We're playing better defense, you're hitting better, your pitching's been good, the bullpen's been good.

"Hopefully that continues in that direction and I think these guys have a feeling they're ready to do something. They feel better. They just have a different feel to them."

With 10 more games coming up against AL West teams in August, maybe this is the time the Sox turn it around. Heading into Monday, they were 14-4 against teams in the division.

The White Sox are 41-56 against the rest of their schedule.

"I don't think anybody has explanations for that stuff," Ventura said.