It was a case of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory tonight at U.S. Comiskey Park. J.J. Putz, protecting a one run lead in the top of the ninth inning, tossed a fat one to Alex Avila, and the Sox went down in flames, 3-2.

There were several things the Sox could not take advantage of last night, mainly usual BFF Rick Porcello who was aided by three double plays.

Edwin Jackson pitched a decent game for the Sox, but hurt himself when he gave up a home run to Carlos Guillen immediately after his teammates staked him to a 1-0 lead.

Again, as we said Friday morning after the loss to the Twins, the Sox may look back on this game as one that cost them the division.

The reality is this:

• With Minnesota's win last night over Oakland, the Sox are two games back of the Twinkies.  If the Sox don't pick up a game today, it will take a sweep in Minnesota to regain sole possession of first place.  The odds of that happening are greater than those of Juan Pierre having a thirty home run season.
• The Sox continue to struggle against the AL Central. Nothing indicates that this will change.
• In the world of "woulda, coulda, shoulda" this was a shoulda.
• Freddy Garcia, who appears to have the needle near the "E" on his tank, pitches today for the Sox.  At least the long relievers are ready if he fails. I would imagine Ozzie will not give Freddy a whole lot of rope tomorrow afternoon.
• The White Sox cannot continue to lose these games they must or should win.  The clock is ticking and time is beginning to not be on their side.

We'll see how it goes, but tonight's loss is disconcerting, heartbreaking and frustrating all in one.  A nice four game win streak is in order.