Chicago topples Tribe in 13th

The 3-2 loss dropped Cleveland a game back in the wild card race.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- The stadium was just about one-thirds full for Friday's post-game fireworks show at Jacobs Field, but few people inside were in the mood to celebrate.
Kevin Millwood included.
The Indians pitcher spoke in hushed tones just outside his locker following Friday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox, clearly unhappy with the way things went, clearly hoping the team that had struggled to win close games against Chicago would be able to reverse that trend in the season's final two games.
"These games have been good for them; I'm not sure they've been good for us," Millwood said. "It seems like we always lose close games against these guys."
The 13-inning, four hour and 17 minute defeat didn't end Cleveland's postseason hopes, but it definitely hurt.
New York and Boston are both one game ahead in the wild-card standings and the Indians must win at least one of their final two games to have a chance. Win two, and the worst they can do is a one-game playoff on Monday.
Must-win games
"We've got two more and they're pretty much must-win," Millwood, who gave up just one run in seven innings, said. "We still have confidence and everyone believes that we can do it. But we've still gotta do it.
"It's one thing to feel that way, it's another thing to go out and do it."
The whole Tribe locker room seemed shell-shocked following the loss, as if they were wondering how a week that seemed so promising on Saturday could play out so poorly. After cutting their deficit in the American League Central to one game on Saturday, the Indians have dropped four of five -- all by one run -- and could only watch as the White Sox clinched the division title on Thursday against Detroit.
"These guys have stepped up all year," Indians manager Eric Wedge said of his team. "They're mentally tough and they'll be out there tomorrow ready to play."
Had their chances
The Indians had several chances to win Friday's game, but it was the White Sox who took advantage in the 13th. Fernando Cabrera, pitching his third inning of relief for the Tribe, gave up a one-out triple to Willie Harris. Scott Podsednik hit into a fielder's choice that erased Harris, but advanced to second on the play. After an intentional walk to pinch-hitter Paul Konerko (who was lifted for pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna), Joe Borchard hit a two-RBI double to make it 3-1.
Ronnie Belliard hit a solo homer with two outs in the bottom of the 13th, but Ben Broussard popped out to end it.
"Obviously, it was a tough one," Wedge said. "Both teams fought hard but the story on our end was that we weren't able to get the big hit."
Blown opportunity
No kidding. The Indians' biggest chance came in the 11th when they loaded the bases with one out. But Broussard struck out and Aaron Boone followed with an inning-ending grounder to short.
Tribe batters are 0 for their last 23 with runners in scoring position.
"We just weren't able to get it done," Wedge said. "But I have a strong belief in every individual in that locker room."
Millwood entered the game with lowest ERA in the American League and the third-lowest run support in the league. Neither of those trends changed. He tied a season-high with nine strikeouts but left the game losing 1-0 thanks to three straight singles by the White Sox in the fifth. He still leads the league in ERA -- his ERA of 2.8593 is just ahead of Minnesota's Johan Santana (2.9243) -- but it was little consolation.
"I can't say enough about Kevin," Wedge said, "That guy gave a warrior's effort."
Can't beat White Sox
But it wasn't enough. The Indians are 5-12 against Chicago this year, but pitchers Jake Westbrook and Scott Elarton have both fared well against the White Sox this season.
If the Indians finish the season tied with the Yankees, they would play a one-game playoff at New York on Monday. If they finish tied with the Red Sox, they would play host to Boston on Monday.
"We've been in this position before and come through," said Millwood. "We've just got to go out and see what happens."
scalzo@vindy.com