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The Chicago White Sox are closing in on a AL Central division title this season. The White Sox have a sizable lead on the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers for first place in the division as we head toward the end of the regular season. The White Sox have pretty much had a hammer-lock on the division since the All-Star break and have coasted for the most part through the second half. Let’s take a look at the ChiSox magic number and what they need to do to close out the AL Central.
Chicago White Sox magic number: Clinched division
Thursday, Sept 23 — The White Sox beat the Indians in the first game of a doubleheader and have officially clinched the AL Central. They are the first team to clinch a division title.
Wednesday, Sept 22 — Chicago’s game against Detroit was postponed, as was Cleveland’s game against the Royals. That leaves the White Sox’s magic number at two.
Tuesday, Sept 21 — Chicago lost to Detroit and Cleveland beat Kansas City. That leaves the White Sox’s magic number at two.
Monday, Sept 20 — Chicago lost to Detroit but Cleveland was swept in a doubleheader. That improves the White Sox magic number by two to two.
Sunday, Sept. 19 — The White Sox picked up a win over the Rangers, 7-2, on Sunday afternoon. The Indians defeated the Yankees. The ChiSox magic number is now 4 to clinch the AL Central with a series against the Tigers starting on Monday.
Friday, Sept. 17 — The White Sox beat the Rangers 8-0 while the Indians lost to the Yankees 8-0 to knock two games off the magic number. That gives the White Sox a 12-game lead. Chicago has 15 games remaining while Cleveland has 17 games remaining.
Thursday, Sept. 16 — The White Sox face the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night to finish off a three-game series. Chicago is a bit lucky that the AL Central is weak this season since the team hasn’t performed well in the second half. The White Sox are 29-27 since the All-Star break, which has helped them maintain the lead. Chicago enters this game with a 83-62 record on the year and have 17 games left (including this series finale vs. the Halos).