Second City? White Sox, Cubs close in on division titles

CHICAGO (AP) — Powered by the steady presence of José Abreu, the White Sox revival is roaring on the South Side.

On the North Side, Yu Darvish is pitching like an ace again, and the Cubs are eyeing another October run.

Chicago's major league teams are linked by more than just geography these days. They also share a most enviable position this time of year — first place.

"I think that every time we take the field, we feel invincible,” White Sox rookie Luis Robert said through a translator.

Sure looks that way. The playoff-bound White Sox have won 24 of 31 to rise to the top of the AL Central. Heading into Sunday's game at Cincinnati, they had a magic number of four for clinching their first division title since their last postseason appearance in 2008.

Under first-year manager David Ross, the Cubs jumped out to a 13-3 start and then faltered before picking up their play as the pandemic-shortened season barreled toward the finish. They are closing in on their first NL Central championship since they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 NL Championship Series.

Chicago's baseball teams have the year's only no-hitters, Lucas Giolito for the White Sox and Alec Mills for the Cubs, and they are making a play for some individual honors, too. Abreu and flashy shortstop Tim Anderson are among the favorites for the AL MVP award, and Robert is in the mix for AL Rookie of the Year. Darvish is making a bid for his first Cy Young Award.

Since the White Sox beat the Cubs in the 1906 World Series, the only other time each team reached the playoffs in the same year was in 2008. They both lost in the division series that year.

Deep dish pizza and hot dogs all around. No ketchup, of course.

“I don't mean this with any disrespect, but I didn't realize it was since ‘08...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Second-City-White-Sox-Cubs-close-in-on-division-15581697.php