Sox do what they needed to do on and off the field

With the pitching staff that the Twins trotted out for this three game series there was no reason the Sox should have lost this series. Really, they should have swept the Twins but their usual problems with Francisco Liriano reared its ugly head in Monday night's lifeless 4-1 loss.

On Tuesday and Wednesday the Twins ran out Liam Hendriks and Nick Blackburn. Both starters have ERAs over 6 and were a combined 4-9 heading into this series.

The Sox squeaked by with a 3-2 win on Tuesday night then blasted Blackburn this afternoon with a 21 hit attack leading to a 12-5 win to capture their second consecutive series win.

With the score already 2-0 in the fifth, Adam Dunn hit a two out 3-run home run. Dunn's 24th home run snapped his 0-24 streak at the plate. Alex Rios batted next and belted a home run to continue his hot hitting.

Rios' home run was the sixth and last run Nick Blackburn would give up for the day. Fortunately, the guys coming out of the Twins bullpen didn't fare much better. The next three Twin relievers combined to pitch 2 2/3 innings giving up 6 runs and 11 hits.

The balanced offensive attack was even done with Paul Konerko, Dayan Viciedo, and Gordon Beckham getting the day off to back another stellar Chris Sale start. Newly acquired Kevin Youkilis went 3-4 at the plate with 2 RBIs.

The low point of the game was Will Ohman who came on to pitch the final two innings of the blowout. Ohman gave up three runs, hit two batters, gave up two hits and one home run.

Apparently that's what you've to do to get your ass kicked off the team. After the game, Ohman was given his walking papers and DFA'd. 

Yes, it is you, Will.

So really, the crap Ohman pulled during the game benefited the team as a whole as we'll no longer have to deal with his bullshit.

With the Indians loss the Sox open up a 2 1/2 game lead in the AL Central. Their largest lead since June 3.

Thursday opens up a big four game series in New York against the Yankees. Dylan Axelrod, Jose Quintana, Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd will start the four games for the Sox. Ivan Nova, Adam Warren, Hiroki Kuroda and Phil Hughes will pitch for the Yankees.