White Sox Win Again in Windy City Showdown

CHICAGO — Winning two games at Wrigley Field and having the chance to sweep the Chicago Cubs in front of their own ivy would make most Chicago White Sox fans happy for the rest of the year.

Not Ray Durham. The White Sox second baseman wants the Cubs beaten, humiliated and destroyed.

So much for this series not meaning anything.

“I hope to sweep them here and at Comiskey--all six,” Durham said. “A lot of fans said Friday was a cheap win. Today, we came out and earned another one.”

Earn it they did. Frank Thomas and Mark Johnson homered, and Mike Sirotka held the Cubs scoreless for 7 2/3 innings Saturday as the South Siders strung together 18 hits on their way to an 8-2 victory.

The victory puts the White Sox at .500 for the first time since May 18 and, more importantly, gives them bragging rights for the first cross-town series of the year.

Sirotka (5-6) was simply masterful. After giving up his third hit, a double to Mickey Morandini in the second inning, he retired the next 14 batters.

He gave up seven hits and struck out six. He also went two for four for his first major league hits. As he left the field to loud cheers in the eighth inning, he pumped his fist and waved.

“I tried to block out the crowd,” he said, “but after a big out, it was nice to hear them.”