That was the question facing the Indians and staff ace Corey Kluber during the White Sox 3-2 victory Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

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1 Headlines of August 28, 2014 Abreu ups RBI total to 96 in White Sox victory Scott Merkin, WhiteSox.com Chicago holds parade for Jackie Robinson West Daniel Kramer, WhiteSox.com Konerko content with role during season s final month Scott Merkin, WhiteSox.com Indians hopeful of keeping playoff leaders in sight Daniel Kramer, WhiteSox.com White Sox crowds dwindling with one month left Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune Wednesday s recap: Sox 3, Indians 2 Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune Paul Konerko rady to put the game aside Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times Eaton, Abreu ignite White Sox in 3-2 win vs. Indians Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times White Sox to honor Jackie Robinson West on Saturday Scot Gregor, Daily Herald White Sox snap 7-game losing streak Scot Gregor, Daily Herald Carlos Sanchez trying to show Sox he s second to none Scot Gregor, Daily Herald No way around it: Abreu is tough Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com White Sox beat Indians 3-2, end 7-game skid Associated Press Rapid Reaction: White Sox 3, Indians 2 Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com Konerko: Regulars can t complain in Sept. Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com JRW set for on-field celebration at Cell Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com Relievers need to make case for themselves Doug Padilla, ESPNChicago.com Chicago comes together to celebrate JRW Jon Greenberg, ESPNChicago.com Tonight on CSN: White Sox conclude series with Indians Associated Press White Sox snap seven-game losing streak with win over Indians Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago White Sox: Micah Johnson in school after season-ending injury Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago Konerko praises way Ventura handled him in 2014 Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago Kenny Williams: Pick up a ball and put down the guns CSN Staff Abreu ups RBI total to 96 in White Sox victory Slugger drives in go-ahead run with one-out single in seventh By Scott Merkin / MLB.com CHICAGO -- To pitch to Jose Abreu or not to pitch to Jose Abreu? That was the question facing the Indians and staff ace Corey Kluber during the White Sox 3-2 victory Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. Actually, it's a question that has plagued White Sox opponents for much of this season. And it's not a shot at any other hitter in the White Sox lineup, as much as it's high praise for the odds-on American League Rookie of the Year favorite and AL Most Valuable Player candidate.

2 There were two scoring chances at U.S. Cellular Field where the Kluber-Abreu matchup ultimately decided the outcome. In the third, with Adam Eaton on third and two outs, the Indians (67-64) went after Abreu, and he singled home the tying run. Adam Dunn followed with a double to right-center that scored Abreu. The situation was a bit trickier in the seventh. With the game tied at 2 thanks to a Lonnie Chisenhall homer off of Hector Noesi (8-9) in the top of the frame, the White Sox (60-72) had runners on first and third with one out and Abreu at the plate. They started the frame putting runners on second and third with a Carlos Sanchez single and an Eaton ground-rule double, but Alexei Ramirez's grounder to Chisenhall at third produced an out at the plate. That out was confirmed after White Sox manager Robin Ventura requested a crew-chief review to see if catcher Roberto Perez blocked the plate without the baseball. Cleveland still could have elected to pitch around Abreu, loading the bases for Dunn or for right-handedhitting pinch-hitter Paul Konerko if the Indians turned to left-handed reliever Marc Rezepczynski. Instead, Kluber (13-8) attacked Abreu with seven pitches outside of the zone. That seventh pitch, which would have been ball four, was poked back into center by Abreu to score the game-winning run. "He didn't throw too much good, but I wanted to bring the guy in from third base, so I was as aggressive as I could be," said Abreu through interpreter and White Sox manager of cultural development Lino Diaz. "He left a pitch there and I was able to connect and get the ball through the middle." "Even when you make some good pitches, sometimes good hitters are able to get their hits," said Kluber, who struck out eight over 6 1/3 innings. "He covers a lot of pitches, so you've just got to kind of mix it up on him." Abreu's final connection, along with scoreless relief work from Javy Guerra and Zach Putnam (fourth save), ended the club's season-worst seven-game losing streak and four-game streak at home. They improved to 7-2 at home against the Indians, who made the playoffs last season thanks to a 17-2 record against the South Siders. Noesi earned the victory, meaning the White Sox have a record in games that the right-hander has started for them this season. He had very little room for error going against Kluber and made very few mistakes while allowing two runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking one. "Well, you know he is good and I was not thinking about, 'Oh, he's going to do good,' you know?" said Noesi, who threw 99 pitches compared to 118 for Kluber. "And then I was just trying to go to my game and do my game." "His offspeed stuff looked very good, he kept the ball down and he throws 95 [mph]," said Eaton of Noesi. "He knows how to pitch and him and [catcher Tyler Flowers] work really well together. It's really fun to play behind those guys." As well as Noesi pitched, a victory might not have been possible without Abreu. The good feeling the White Sox have coming out of this season, regardless of their final record, also wouldn't be possible without the free agent from Cuba. Three hits on Wednesday pushed Abreu's season average to.312. His two RBIs raised that total to 96. Although Abreu has just two homers in August, he has proven to be so much more than a power hitter.

3 Eaton compared Abreu's offensive game to Paul Goldschmidt, his former teammate in Arizona. "My dad always said most good hitters are line-drive hitters. They just happen to go out," said Eaton of Abreu, who is now 6-for-13 against Kluber and is hitting.500 during a current seven-game hitting streak. "He sprays the ball all over the field. He's very disciplined at the plate, knows what he's doing, can hit to all fields with power and I'm lucky to be his teammate." "I'm very happy because we just came out of a bad stretch there," Abreu said. "I was concentrating since yesterday on this pitcher because I knew he was going be tough. I dedicated a lot of time to preparing against him and was glad we got that win today." It was a win decided by Abreu answering Kluber's challenge. "Jose was great tonight," Ventura said. "He stayed through the middle of the field and came up with some big RBIs for us." Chicago holds parade for Jackie Robinson West By Daniel Kramer / MLB.com CHICAGO -- Jackie Robinson West's run in the Little League World Series culminated Wednesday with a nearly four-hour parade that weaved through roughly 100 blocks of Chicago. Fans flocked to the team's home field in the Morgan Park neighborhood before the South Side's storied squad embarked on trolleys to U.S. Cellular Field and then Millennium Park downtown. Family, friends and fans -- including politicians and representatives from Major League Baseball -- gathered for what some said rivaled professional sports championship parades. "This is the way Chicago celebrates a championship," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. White Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson moderated the event, which featured speeches from Theo Epstein, the Cubs' president of baseball operations, and Kenny Williams, the White Sox executive vice president. Foes became friends through Jackie Robinson West's "common bond," as Harrelson referenced -- a testament to the unity that these 13 pre-teens embodied during their 25-day run to a U.S. championship. "I never thought I'd get introduced by Hawk," Epstein told the crowd with a chuckle. JRW isn't the first Illinois squad to surge through the Little League World Series, in fact it's the fourth in state history to reach the title game. Yet its story enthralled American audiences at new heights, yielding a 71 percent increase in television ratings during the U.S. championship. Team leader Marquis Jackson rooted the unprecedented draw in the most frank manner.

4 "I think because we're African-American boys from the South Side," Jackson said. "There's so many people from the South Side, [and] it's just not about bad things. Something good can come from the South Side of Chicago. Period." Morgan Park is a blue-collar neighborhood brimming with fresh-cut grass, brick houses, renowned rib restaurants and a state-of-the-art baseball facility. Yet the grander South Side has made national news this summer for all the wrong reasons -- violence and murder have dominated headlines. As of Tuesday, Chicago had endured 261 homicides, according to the Cook County Medical Examiners Office -- a majority of those on the South and West Sides. It was the elephant in the room Wednesday, yet Williams tackled it head-on. "People who are gathering and rallying," he told the crowd of 10,000, "are sending a message to put down the guns. "Pick up a ball, a glove, a book, a paint stick, a science project. Put down the guns. We have cease fires going on over the Middle East. Nobody has said, 'Let's call for a cease fire in our communities.'" Jackie Robinson West's rise has made the players role models in the White Sox and Cubs clubhouses. The latter featured the game during a three-hour rain delay on Saturday. JRW's run to become the first all-african-american team to win a Little League World Series Championship was cut short by an 8-4 loss on Sunday to South Korea. Yet it grinned in defeat and crafted extravagant and congratulatory handshakes with their opposition. "This team exemplifies what can happen when a strong community provides its children with support and opportunities to become positively engaged and achieve their dreams," Emanuel said. All 13 hoisted their hands when asked if they wanted to someday play in the big leagues. Six of them -- Jackson, Ed Howard, Cameron Bufford, Brandon Green, Joshua Houston and Trey Hondras -- already are receiving first-hand guidance through the White Sox Amateur City Elite program. ACE, in its eighth year, gathers 100-plus inner-city youth into a program to develop skills that might not be afforded the travel-team culture prevalent in youth baseball. It focuses as much on academics as athletics. "This is my first year playing with them," Hondras said. "I had heard a lot of good things about it." The team's pit stop at U.S. Cellular Field was welcomed by White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and select coaches and players. The White Sox then let the team bring the 2005 World Series trophy to the ceremony at Millennium Park. "Hopefully, at least in the Chicago area and Illinois, maybe this pushes kids into our game instead of something else," said team captain Paul Konerko. The White Sox will welcome JRW for a game this Saturday against the Tigers, and the Cubs will do the same during their next homestand, a six-game set starting on Monday.

5 JRW was founded in 1971 by Joe and Anna Haley, whose son, Bill Haley, is the current director. Bill said his parents' idea was not to win championships, but to make a significant impact on the lives of children through dedicated volunteers and parents. "What these young boys have done the last six weeks shows that the core values that the league started with way back in 1971 still hold true," Haley said. Epstein echoed: "People ask me all the time: 'How do we get kids playing baseball again? There aren't enough kids playing baseball. How do we get kids in the city playing baseball?' Well we just need to go to school on everything that Jackie Robinson West stands for and start duplicating that all around our city -- and every big city in the country." Konerko content with role during season's final month By Scott Merkin / MLB.com CHICAGO -- With September basically being viewed as Paul Konerko month on the South Side, the White Sox captain probably will get a few more at-bats outside of his regular 2014 starts against left-handed pitching. Konerko remains aware of the possibility, but he doesn't want anything to change from the manner in which his part-time playing and full-time leadership role has been handled during his 16th and final season with the club. "I'm here to do whatever [White Sox manager] Robin [Ventura] wants," Konerko said. "I'm just here to serve really. I have no expectations one way or the other. You want me to play, I'll play. You want me to sit for a week, I'll sit for a week. "I'll do whatever I can to help. Whatever Robin wants to do or [general manager] Rick [Hahn] or the team, whatever they want to do, it's right. There's no discussion. It's impossible to offend me. It really is." Ventura earned praise from Konerko for the way in which he handled the player this season, with Konerko adding that Ventura made the year more fun for him and is "good in my book forever." Konerko doesn't see any coaching or managing in his baseball future, although he smiled and added that he's already committed to one of his young son's teams this fall. His commitments for the rest of the season will include playing in the season's final four games, from Sept , at home against the Royals, according to Ventura's comments Wednesday. "If they play me too much, I might demand a trade. I don't think that's going to be a problem," said Konerko. "Listen, this has all been good. The whole thing, there's no expectation on my part. I don't want anybody out there trying to make those guys feel uncomfortable." "It's important to us to have him play quite a bit in that last weekend that we're home, if he can do it," Ventura said. "I don't know if we'll get all four out of him. We can get a few." McEwing downplays managerial rumors

6 CHICAGO -- Joe McEwing has heard the rumors attaching his name to the Arizona managerial position if Kirk Gibson is not retained past this season. That connection comes from McEwing being respected throughout the game and having strong ties to Arizona chief baseball officer Tony La Russa from the two years he played for him in St. Louis. But McEwing stands as the third-base coach for the White Sox and isn't campaigning or looking for another job. "I consider myself a loyal individual and my loyalty is here," McEwing told MLB.com prior to Wednesday's contest with the Indians. "The White Sox have given me an outstanding opportunity, to start coaching here and in the Minor League system, and [White Sox manager] Robin [Ventura] brought me in at the big league level and I couldn't be more thankful for that opportunity. "People have talked about [Arizona]. But, you know, rumors are rumors and you can't control the rumors and my thoughts and focus are here. I'm trying to help us win here and continue an outstanding thing we've got going on here." Shortly after being named the team's third-base coach in the 2011 offseason, McEwing interviewed for the Cardinals' managerial position vacated by La Russa. McEwing enjoyed the interview process, but the 41-year-old is in no rush to run his own team, even if it possibly meant working with La Russa. "He's a tremendous baseball mind," said McEwing of La Russa. "He's an individual I learned a lot from as a player and he's where he belongs -- in baseball. Any part in this game that he's attached to, it's better for it: Whether it be on the field, in the Commissioner's Office, in the front office. The game is in a better spot because he's a tremendous baseball mind and an old-school mind." Williams implores Chicago to denounce violence CHICAGO -- The White Sox will honor the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars for their U.S Little League championship accomplishments during a special pregame ceremony prior to the start of the 6:10 p.m. CT game agaisnt Detroit of a split doubleheader on Saturday. The White Sox will host team members, coaches and families for the game as guests of the team, and all fans attending the game are encouraged to wear gold in honor of the champions. It was White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams who used this amazing success story to make an important life point loud, clear and effectively through his speech Wednesday during the rally at Millennium Park as the celebration culmination. In fact, Williams spoke for five or six minutes but only needed four words to grab the attention of his audience. "Put down the guns," Williams said to the approximately 10,000 in attendance. "People who are gathering and rallying, they are sending a message to put down the guns," Williams said. "Pick up a ball, a glove, a book, a paint stick, a science project." Williams thanked the "superstars" who didn't suit up for JRW, namely the leaders of community organizations, teachers, before-school programs, after-school programs and the in the middle programs. "And the people in the neighborhood who haven't given up on the village mentality," Williams said. "It does take a village."

7 This important message, mixed in with some humor and congratulations for the way the players handled their success, did not go unnoticed. "That's the biggest thing that you take away from this because with the violence that's going on, people can unite for a good cause," said White Sox director of youth baseball initiatives Kevin Coe of Williams' comments. "I mean, those viewing parties were like family reunions. Today was one big family reunion. So many people from the city of Chicago, all ethnicities, all genders, all ages were out to support this team of 12-year-old baseball players, and it shows we are capable of doing something positive in this city. We just need a leader to step up and do it." Third to first Ventura has made it clear that he wants September callups when rosters expand on Monday to be able to play and not just sit on the bench in reserve. The month of September becomes an important talent evaluation period for the team. "You hear about them and you see the stats and everything, but you always want to see what it is and how it plays up here," said Ventura of top Minor Leaguers such as Andy Wilkins, Josh Phegley and possibly Carlos Rodon. "So whenever that happens, talking to Rick, I want them to be able to play and see what they can do up here and make some decisions in the offseason with how you go forward. "In September, guys that come up, it's their chance. I don't think they gain anything, they gain something, but I don't think they gain enough of coming up here and just sitting on the bench and watching." White Sox assistant general manager Buddy Bell celebrated his 63rd birthday Wednesday. Jim Thome, who serves as a special assistant to the general manager and recently retired with 612 career home runs, celebrated his 44th birthday. Avisail Garcia turned a potential leadoff triple into a double during the sixth inning of Tuesday's loss when he lost track of the ball in the right-field corner and slid into second as it was bouncing around. Ventura said the matter was discussed with Garcia, focusing on Garcia taking a glance at the ball in that situation and then picking up McEwing. Ventura said a second starter for Saturday's doubleheader has been discussed but not decided on. Indians hopeful of keeping playoff leaders in sight Carrasco squares off against Danks in South Side finale By Daniel Kramer / MLB.com White Sox starter John Danks will look for his first win since July 25, and second since the All-Star break in Thursday's series finale against the playoff-hopeful Indians. Danks went 5-1 with a 3.12 ERA in seven starts to end the first half, but has since gone 1-2 with a 7.98 ERA, a.340 batting average against and 10 homers. He's reached seven innings just once during that span, the lone win in seven outings.

8 The lefty's struggles have forced the beleaguered White Sox bullpen into action early. Manager Robin Ventura was asked if the relievers were auditioning over the final month. "We've gone over the bullpen -- when a guy comes in, it's pass or fail when you go out there," Ventura said. "It's very much a focal point. When guys go out there, you can either do the job and get cheered or don't do the job and probably got booed. It's a ruthless position out there." Carlos Carrasco takes the hill for Cleveland in his fourth start since returning to the rotation. He lost his spot in April after posting a 6.95 ERA in his first four appearances. Since his return, Carrasco has averaged six innings per start, and boasts a.050 ERA and.117 average against with two walks and 17 strikeouts. Indians manager Terry Francona said of Carrasco's last outing: "Shoot, he gave up his first run. He's done a really good job. Even as he starts to tire, he pitches and executes pitches and follows the game plan. He's really been a bright spot." The White Sox snapped a season-high seven-game skid with Wednesday's 3-2 win, while he Indians dropped to 6 1/2 games out of the American League Central's top spot and stayed 4 1/2 out of the second AL Wild Card. Indians: Ramirez continues to impress Jose Ramirez is upping his long-term stock with the Indians as season draws to an end. Ramirez has settled at shortstop since arriving via a trade with Washington that included Asdrubal Cabrera, who used to occupy that post. In 20 games with the Indians, Ramirez is batting.303. He was thought to be relegated to second base or a future utility player with the arrival of top prospect Francisco Lindor. But Ramirez, 21, looks like he will hold short the rest of the way. "He's done a heck of a job at short," Francona said. We know he can play second. We've put him at third. But he's a pretty good shortstop. When we traded Cabby, there was a reason. And it wasn't because we didn't like [Cabrera]." White Sox: Konerko could see more time, though other vets may be limited Paul Konerko is exactly a month away from retirement, and will likely be called on in more occasions than his usual bench role. Ventura said he will likely play all four games against the Royals leading to season's end on Sept. 28. Konerko embraced what he jokingly said would be a physical challenge. "If they play me too much, I might demand a trade," the captain Konerko said. "I don't think that's going to be a problem. Listen, this has all been good. The whole thing, there's no expectation on my part. I don't want anybody out there trying to make those guys feel uncomfortable." General manager Rick Hahn, however, indicated that the White Sox would likely call up young talent given their position at the bottom of the AL Central standings. "I don't think there's going to be any surprises for anyone if in fact some younger players are here, perhaps eating into a little bit of playing time come September," Hahn said. "That's part of where we are.

9 And part of the reason we are where we are is that perhaps some of the older players didn't get us to the level that we wanted to be at this year." Worth noting The Indians have used 10 pitchers through the series' first two games. Three White Sox are among the top 10 in AL batting average -- Jose Abreu (.312), Conor Gillaspie (.307) and Adam Eaton (.305). White Sox crowds dwindling with one month left By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune Positive vibes were in the air at 35th and Shields on Wednesday when the Jackie Robinson West caravan pulled up to U.S. Cellular Field during its victory parade. White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams kept the momentum going with an impassioned speech at the rally at Millennium Park. Everything was going great for the Sox until the gates of the Cell opened and another minuscule crowd turned out for their game against the Indians. The Sox wound up snapping a seven-game losing streak 3-2 before an announced crowd of 11,976. With the Sox coming in with the losing streak, looking even worse than their record indicated, the ballpark had a late September feel to it. Unfortunately, there's a month left in the season, and with kids heading back to school, this could be the norm. The crowds are getting not only smaller, but also a little surlier. The fans booed Avisail Garcia on Tuesday night for not hustling on a double leading off the sixth with the Sox trailing by one run. The Sox didn't score and wound up losing in 10 innings. Manager Robin Ventura said Wednesday that Garcia took his eye off the ball as it went to the outfield wall, and he wound up settling for the double instead of going for third. "That's stuff you learn from," Ventura said. "Being young and not wanting to make a mistake, you end up making one. That's been taken care of." How was it taken care of? "Talking to him about it," Ventura said, before joking, "He'll never play again." So was Ventura upset by it? "I'm not upset by it," he replied. "But you look at it and you figure out a way to teach him how to do it properly, so he needs to at least peek at it and then pick up (third-base coach Joe McEwing)."

10 It may have been a small issue, but as bad as the Sox have played of late, they can ill afford to leave fans with the perception they're not hustling, especially after touting the team's grittiness all season. They're third from the bottom in the majors in average attendance, and the poor attendance will likely have an effect on offseason spending. Celebrating the champs: The Sox will honor the Jackie Robinson West team with a ceremony Saturday before the second game of a split doubleheader with the Tigers. The Sox are asking fans to wear gold in honor of Jackie Robinson West. "For these kids it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing," Ventura said. "You don't get to go back to being 12, 13 years old, so you get one shot at it. Their accomplishment is amazing. They did it with a lot of personality and class too." Paul Konerko is the only remaining Sox player from the 2005 championship team and the only one who has experienced the kind of parade the Jackie Robinson West kids were treated to Wednesday. "Yeah, we had to pay a lot more dues to get our parade through however many years," Konerko said with a grin. "It's all good. Baseball has been taking a back seat to a lot of other sports lately you see a lot more kids playing other things so hopefully, at least in the Chicago area and Illinois, it pushes a kid to our game instead of something else." Konerko watch: Ventura said he might give Konerko more at-bats down the stretch. "We'll see some lefties in there, but I'm sure he'll get a few more just for everybody's sake," Ventura said. "It's important to us to have him play quite a bit in that last weekend that we're home (Sept ) if he can do it.... I don't know if we'll get all four out of him." Konerko said he would do whatever Ventura asks. "If they play me too much, I might demand a trade," he joked. "I don't think that's going to be a problem. It would take me a while to get in shape again. I play like two games in a row and I'm sore now." Abreu becoming triple threat for White Sox By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune Abreu could become Triple Crown candidate in future White Sox rookie Jose Abreu is hitting for both average and power. Jose Abreu is closing in on White Sox rookie marks for home runs and RBIs, but the most surprising stat may be the fact he s hitting over.300. Abreu had three hits and a pair of RBIs on Wednesday in a 3-2 win over the Indians, helping the Sox snap a season-long seven-game losing streak.

11 Abreu s seventh-inning RBI single off Corey Kluber brought in the go-ahead run, giving Hector Noesi the win. Abreu is hitting.500 over a seven-game hitting streak, increasing his batting average to.312. The Sox rookie mark is.326 by Minnie Minoso in Everyone knew Abreu would be a slugger, but few expected him to hit for average as well. I don t really like to talk about myself much, he said. But I m very happy I ve been able to hit for average, and very happy with the results I ve had individually. I d like to have those as a team, as well. Abreu s 33 home runs are two shy of the Sox s rookie mark of 35, set by Ron Kittle in He has the power there, manager Robin Ventura said. I think you are always going to have to do the other stuff. Power will always be there for him because he s that strong. If the only thing he did was hit homers, he wouldn t be in the situation he is in. He s driving in a lot of tough runs for us, not only with the home runs but with base hits in big situations. With 96 RBIs, Abreu needs 19 RBIs to break Smead Jolley s Sox rookie mark of 114. Jose Abreu drives in a run with a single in the seventh inning. I m lucky to be his teammate, or, he s lucky, or yeah, I m lucky to be his teammate for sure, a confused Adam Eaton said. I was going to do that the other way around. He s a great player and we re lucky to have him. Abreu proved he's human, however, before Thursday's game. His cell phone fell out of his pocket and through the cushion of his lounge chair in the Sox clubhouse, forcing him to crawl on the floor to find the phone underneath the chair. Every man in America could relate to that predictament. Wednesday's recap: White Sox 3, Indians 2 By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune The summary The White Sox snapped a season-high seven game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Indians. Jose Abreu's seventh inning, RBI single off Indians ace Corey Kulber snapped a 2-2 tie. At the plate Abreu had three hits and two RBIs, his 95th and 96th of the season and raised his average to.312. Conor Gillaspie also chipped in three hits as his average rose to.307.

12 On the mound Hector Noesi allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings, improving to 8-8. Javy Guerra pitched 12/3 innings of relief but needed help in the ninth from Zach Putnam, who got the save for the last out. The number 114: The Sox's rookie record for RBIs is Smead Jolley's 114 in The quote Robin Ventura on the Sox's defensive play: "There's frustration to it. You want to be better at it. But by no means would I expect we're going to win Gold Gloves in the spots you're talking about. That's part of who we are in certain areas and you have to wear those lumps. But if you get somebody you feel is playing below their abilities then that's definitely an issue. You get frustrated with it, I get that. But you still have to work at it and try and get better at it." Up next Indians (RH Carlos Carrasco, 5-4, 3.14 ERA) vs. White Sox (LH John Danks, 9-8, 4.96). 7:10 p.m., CSN. Paul Konerko ready to put the game aside BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN / Chicago Sun-Times In less than five weeks, it will be over for Paul Konerko, and the timing will be perfect. Konerko will play his last game Sept. 28, when the Sox close the season at home against the Kansas City Royals, and when it s over, the team captain and franchise s No. 2 home-run hitter and RBI guy won t have anything to do with baseball for a good, long while. Maybe never, depending on how his next venture in life whatever that might be besides being a husband and father of three goes for him. The times of baseball dominating my life are over, said Konerko, 38, whose life has been dominated by the game since he was 12. Konerko is ready for that. I love the game, he said. [Being ready to be done] doesn t come from a place of bitterness. I just want to do other things, try to do other things. Who knows? I could be good at something else. I don t know, so I ll try. Konerko isn t saying what that might be, but he knows it won t be baseball-related. He and wife Jennifer have children who will be 3, 6 and 9 this fall. Even down the road, he doesn t foresee coaching beyond coaching his kids.

13 I reserve the right to change my mind, but I have three kids, and I m not going to do anything for selfish reasons, he said. Even if I felt like I wanted to come back, it s not going to happen if it takes me away from my kids. It s not going to happen. Because of his role in his last season as a designated hitter against left-handers and pinch hitter, Konerko spent more time than ever on the bench. From there, he sat back and observed, and it has been an eyeopening experience. You understand what a lot of players go through, the bench guys, the bullpen guys who make teams go, Konerko said. You don t pay attention to that stuff when you re playing every day. I learned a lot in that regard. When you re a first baseman, you re in a bubble. You show up every night, drive in your runs, hopefully. To be that last guy, the bench guy, you see how the staff handles and treats guys, stuff you don t notice playing every day what guys are going through. There are more guys who feel like that than the All- Stars. Konerko said Robin Ventura, a former player whose career resembled Konerko s in some respects, has been the perfect manager to see him through the transition to part-timer. Whether he gets fewer at-bats or more during September matters not one bit, Konerko said. I m here to do whatever Robin wants, Konerko said. I m just here to serve, really. Ventura said he has watched Konerko embrace the role and has been clear from Day 1 what it would be. He s done a lot for us within the clubhouse and setting an example for a lot of the young guys, Ventura said. The Sox will honor Konerko throughout September with tributes and a promotional calendar for fans for each game. A Club Konerko will be set aside for two sections of U.S. Cellular Field. And then it s on to the next phase of his life, whatever that will be away from baseball. There are different definitions of success of those things, but I feel like it s almost necessary, Konerko said. Everybody has their own deal. I just feel like it s kind of necessary to get away and explore other things, to be and do something else. Maybe I ll do that and say this is where I want to come back [to baseball], but all I know is, a month from now, it will be in the back seat unless it involves coaching my kids. Eaton, Abreu ignite White Sox in 3-2 win vs. Indians BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN / Chicago Sun-Times Jose Abreu is showing no signs of fading down the stretch. Granted, Abreu has hit two home runs all month, but everything else about his production has been so good that the shortage of long balls has become an afterthought.

14 In the White Sox 3-2 victory against the visiting Cleveland Indians that snapped a seven-game losing streak Wednesday night, Abreu went 3-for-4 with his 31st double, an RBI single in the third inning and an RBI single in the seventh that broke a 2-2 tie. Not a bad night s work against Indians ace Corey Kluber (13-8, 2.52 ERA). He s one of the better pitchers I ve faced, Abreu said, adding that he had been studying Kluber on video since Tuesday. Abreu is batting.500 over a seven-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, raising his average to.312. He s batting.325 and likely will finish August with his lowest strikeout and highest walk totals yet. His 96 RBI are one shy of Giancarlo Stanton for the major-league lead. He s amazing, isn t he? said Adam Eaton, who scored twice on Abreu hits. Strong start for Noesi Playing the underdog in a matchup with Kluber, Hector Noesi (8-9, 4.75) pitched seven strong innings, allowing two runs, six hits and one walk and striking out five. The Sox improved to in Noesi s starts, and manager Robin Ventura suggested Noesi should warrant consideration for next season s rotation. His fastball was extra sharp tonight, Ventura said. He was sneaking it up on some people, and that s throwing it 93 or 94. The beginning and the end In his second game since coming off the disabled list, Eaton tripled and doubled to raise his average to.430 over his last 24 games. The much-maligned bullpen came through, although Javy Guerra (12/3 scoreless innings) had to be rescued by Zach Putnam, who retired Chris Dickerson on a pop-up with two runners on to pick up his fourth save. Sox to honor, host JRW champs The Sox will honor the Jackie Robinson West team that won the U.S. Little League championship during a ceremony before their 6:10 p.m. game Saturday against the Tigers. The Sox will host the team s players, coaches and family for the game. Fans attending are encouraged to wear gold in their honor. We could not be more proud of the achievements of the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars and how they represented the city of Chicago in Williamsport, Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. It is our honor and privilege to bring them to the ballpark and continue to extend appreciation and support for these tremendous young men. We hope all fans coming to the game can do the same by wearing gold in their honor.

15 White Sox to honor Jackie Robinson West on Saturday By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald One celebration was not enough for Jackie Robinson West, which became the first all African-American Little League team to win the U.S. championship in Williamsport, Pa., last week. Honored with a Chicago victory parade and celebration in Millennium Park Wednesday, Jackie Robinson West will receive similar treatment at U.S. Cellular Field Saturday. Before the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, the White Sox will honor the wildly popular Little Leaguers. All fans attending the game are encouraged to wear gold. "We could not be more proud of the achievements of the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars and how they represented the city of Chicago in Williamsport," White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "It is our honor and privilege to bring them to the ballpark and continue to extend appreciation and support for these tremendous young men." Jackie Robinson West features six players from the Sox' Amateur City Elite (ACE) program. "Baseball has been taking a back seat to a lot of other sports lately," Paul Konerko said. "You see a lot more kids playing other things. Hopefully, at least in the Chicago area and Illinois, maybe this pushes kids into our game instead of something else." Abreu sparks 3-2 win Jose Abreu was 3-for-4 and he delivered a pair of run-scoring singles to center field Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field as the White Sox edged the Indians 3-2 and snapped a seven-game losing streak. Abreu leads the American League with 96 RBI. "Jose was great tonight, just staying through the middle of the field," manager Robin Ventura said. "He came up with some big RBI for us." Starter Hector Noesi (8-9) continued his bid to stick with the Sox in The right-hander pitched 7 strong innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits. "Hector threw a great game," Ventura said. "He's going up a gainst a tough pitcher (Cleveland ace Corey Kluber), and being able to get us to that point was big." Down the stretch: September will be Paul Konerko's final month before retirement, and the White Sox plan to honor one of the best hitters in franchise history on several occasions. Konerko figures to get increased playing time before bowing out, but he is not expecting or demanding anything.

16 "I'm here to do whatever Robin (Ventura) wants," Konerko said. "I'm just here to serve really. I have no expectations one way or the other. That's kind of been me, as soon as I signed to come back, it's just whatever you need me for. You want me to play, I'll play. You want me to sit for a week, I'll sit for a week. "Whatever Robin wants to do or (GM) Rick (Hahn) or the team, whatever they want to do, it's right. There's no discussion on. It's impossible to offend me. It really is." White Sox snap 7-game losing streak By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald The White Sox are going to be expanding their 25-man roster as early as Tuesday, when they open a two-game series at Minnesota. Look for 5-6 players to come up from the minor leagues, and manager Robin Ventura doesn't want the new faces sitting around in the dugout. "In September, guys that come up, it's their chance," Ventura said Wednesday before the Sox edged the Indians 3-2 at U.S. Cellular Field, snapping a seven-game losing streak. "I don't think they gain anything, they gain something, but I don't think they gain enough coming up here and just sitting on the bench and watching." Contending teams rarely bring up many players when rosters are eligible to expand in September, but the White Sox (60-72) are well out of the playoff race. They're likely to look at players like Carlos Rodon, Andy Wilkins, Marcus Semien, Jared Mitchell and Matt Davidson, even if it means some Sox veterans (Adam Dunn, Alejandro De Aza, Dayan Viciedo, John Danks) have to take a seat. "If we didn't want it to get to a situation in September where they were going to be calling up young guys, putting guys in, sitting down older guys, then we should be better in the standings," Paul Konerko said. "We should have earned that right and we haven't done that. I don't think anybody can take exception that. It's kind of the way of the baseball world. Everybody knows that and I really don't foresee any problems with that." Jose Abreu might be getting some additional rest in September, but the White Sox' standout first baseman still deserves plenty of playing time over the final month. Abreu was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI in the Sox' win over Cleveland. Dunn drove in the other run with an RBI double. Hector Noesi delivered a strong start for the White Sox, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings.

17 Carlos Sanchez trying to show Sox he's second to none By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald When Gordon Beckham was traded to the Los Angeles Angels last week, the White Sox sought out a new second baseman for the first time in over five years. Micah Johnson is the odds-on favorite to man the starting job when the 2015 season opens, but the promising Class AAA Charlotte prospect is on the shelf for the remainder of this year with a hamstring injury. For now, Carlos Sanchez has taken over for Beckham, and the 22-year-old switch-hitter realizes he's been given a golden opportunity to prove his worth. "I am very aware that the White Sox have very good prospects and players coming up, which is the case with Marcus Semien and which is the case with Micah Johnson," Sanchez said through an interpreter Wednesday before making his fifth straight start at second base. "But I'm going to do my best and try to show the team what I can do and go from there." Sanchez is off to a solid start. Since coming up from Charlotte on Thursday, he's hit with authority and has shown he can play solid defense. "The first game, I think like with most young players, you sort of see the element of, 'Wow, this game's really fast up here. I've got to speed up my game,' and I think we might have seen a little of that in New York," Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "He was playing a little quick. At the same time, you've seen the reason we like him. You've seen the range, you've seen the baseball acumen. If we can tone down the eagerness a little bit and get him to be selectively aggressive in certain elements of the game, I think that's going to help him." While Johnson would undoubtedly be playing second base for the White Sox now if he was healthy, Sanchez is not a bad second option. The Venezuela native had a.293/.349/.412 hitting line at Charlotte along with 6 triples, 7 home runs, 57 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 110 games. Even though he speaks little English, Sanchez's self confidence comes shining through. "I have a lot confidence in my talent and in my abilities, and I think I can play at this level for a long time," he said. "I do thank God for giving me the tools and the abilities to be here." If Sanchez has to give way to Johnson next season, he can also play shortstop and third base. At worst, he looks like a pretty good utility infielder. "I am an natural second baseman, but I can play shortstop as well," Sanchez said. "Obviously, I feel more comfortable at second base only because I have played more at second base. But I also feel comfortable at shortstop. "First and foremost is staying healthy. And second of all, just continue to work on the things I've been working on. I want to make sure I belong here, that I can play here."

18 No way around it: Abreu is tough By Doug Padilla / ESPNChicago.com CHICAGO -- Pitching to Jose Abreu has been a difficult chore all season. Now add pitching around Abreu to the list of dangers when facing the rookie slugger. Abreu had a pair of RBI singles for the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, including the go-ahead RBI hit to center field in the seventh inning when the Cleveland Indians clearly looked to be avoiding the strike zone. Teams seem to have run out of options when it comes to containing a.312 hitter with 96 RBIs, all before the start of September. Abreu had a nearly identical RBI on a single up the middle in the third inning, driving in both runs off Indians starter Corey Kluber. He didn't throw too much good stuff but I wanted to bring the guy in from third base so I was aggressive as I could be, Abreu said through an interpreter about his seventh-inning RBI that put the White Sox ahead for good in their 3-2 victory that snapped a seven-game losing streak. He left a pitch there and I was able to connect and get the ball through the middle. In the third inning, the Indians took their chances with Abreu as Adam Eaton stood on third base with two outs. Not only did Abreu hit his RBI single, but Adam Dunn followed with an RBI double. In the seventh inning, the White Sox had Eaton on third base and Alexei Ramirez on first with one out in a tie game. Kluber didn t want much to do with Abreu in that situation, but still got burned on a pitch that appeared to be off the plate. Well I think second and third you are probably questioning that, but first and third [is different] I think, especially the way Kluber has been pitching, manager Robin Ventura said. He had a good at-bat early in the game and then he had one where Kluber really threw some tough pitches to him. His ball moves all over the place. Add Wednesday s game to the impressive moments that Abreu has been able to deliver all season. He is now hitting.500 (12-for-24) during a seven-game hitting streak and is batting.422 while collecting a hit in 11 of his past 12 games. He s amazing, isn t he? Eaton said. Great player, rises to the occasion like he has all year. What does he have 96 RBI? It s unreal. He s a great player and he makes it easier on me. If I can get on base, hopefully I ll score a run. Hopefully we ll continue the trend. As Abreu clearly heads toward an American League rookie of the year award, he has managed to stay productive even as his power game as waned. He has just two home runs since the start of August, but

19 his slugging percentage continues to lead baseball at.602. He has the power there, but I think you are always going to have to do the other stuff, Ventura said. Power will always be there for him because he s that strong. If the only thing he did was hit homers, he wouldn t be in the situation he is in. He s driving in a lot of tough runs for us, not only with the home runs but with base hits in big situations. Even with all the personal success it has always been about the team for Abreu, and after his clutch night Wednesday it wasn t any different. I'm very happy because we just came out of a bad stretch there, he said. I was concentrating since yesterday on this pitcher because I knew he was going be tough. I dedicated a lot of time to preparing against him and was glad we got that win today. Abreu admitted that he is no stranger to long losing streaks, going on some during his 10 years of playing professionally in Cuba. Many times seven games and at one point 11, he said. But as tough as the moment is, we're still going to face the adversity. The easy times, everybody wants them. The tough times really let you know who you are as a player and a team. His ability to be both a power hitter and somebody who can collect base hits to all fields should help the White Sox avoid long losing streaks in the future, especially if the team revamps the pitching staff like it hopes to this offseason. My dad always said most good hitters are line drive hitters, they just happen to go out; they hit them really hard they happen to go out and I think Jose is one of those, Eaton said. He sprays the ball all over the field. He reminds me of when I played with Paul Goldschmidt [in Arizona]. He s very disciplined at the plate, knows what he s doing, can hit to all fields with power and I m lucky to be his teammate. White Sox beat Indians 3-2, end 7-game skid Associated Press CHICAGO -- After more than a week of losing, the Chicago White Sox needed their star to find the win column again. Jose Abreu hit a pair of run-scoring singles against Cleveland ace Corey Kluber, and the White Sox beat the Indians 3-2 Wednesday night to stop a season-high, seven-game losing streak. "We just came out of a bad moment, a bad stretch," Abreu said through a translator after the game. "I was concentrating since yesterday on this pitcher because I knew it was going to be tough." Kluber (13-8) lost consecutive starts for the first time this year, allowing three runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts. He entered Wednesday's contest with a 2.46 ERA.

20 "He worked hard tonight, but he ended up giving up three runs and one was on a late hit," Indians manager Terry Francona said of his starting pitcher. "He is pretty damn good. If we score five or six we're talking about him cruising." The Indians had won three straight. Abreu first got to Kluber in the third inning with an RBI single, driving in Adam Eaton and coming around to score when Adam Dunn doubled. Abreu put Chicago ahead for good in the seventh with his third hit of the game. Eaton doubled with one out off Kluber and advanced on Alexei Ramirez's groundout. Abreu then singled up the middle, driving in Eaton for his AL-high 96th RBI. "He's amazing, isn't he?" Eaton said of Abreu. "Great player. Rises to the occasion like he has all year." Eaton was 2 for 4 with one double, one triple and two runs scored. White Sox starter Hector Noesi (8-9) allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings, improving to 5-2 in eight starts since the All-Star break. "Hector (Noesi) threw a great game," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "He's going up against a tough pitcher. Being able to get us to that point was big." Javy Guerra pitched a perfect eighth inning, but he allowed Jason Kipnis' one-out single in the ninth and hit Zach Walters with a pitch with two outs. Zach Putman relieved and retired Chris Dickerson on a fly out for his fourth save in five chances. Michael Bourn's run-scoring single put Cleveland ahead in the third. Chicago went ahead in the bottom half when Abreu hit an RBI single with two outs and scored on a double by Adam Dunn. Lonnie Chisenhall wrapped a 339-foot homer around the right-field foul pole in the seventh, his 12th home run this season. TRAINING ROOM Indians: C Yan Gomes is expected to be available Friday when he comes off the seven-day concussion disabled list. Gomes took a foul ball off the mask last week against Minnesota. White Sox: Manager Robin Ventura dismissed the notion that outfielder Avisail Garcia, who missed more than four months with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, has played hesitantly since returning from the DL and may still be ailing. "I don't think so," Ventura said. "That's just the way he plays outfield." UP NEXT LHP John Danks (9-8, 4.96) is to start for the White Sox in the finale of the three-game series. He will face RHP Carlos Carrasco (5-4, 3.14), 2-0 since rejoining the Indians' rotation on Aug. 10. LITTLE LEAGUERS In his 18th and final MLB season, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko took some time before Wednesday's game to praise Chicago's Jackie Robinson West All-Stars, who won the Little League World