White Sox Beat Indians 8-4

The first one landed with a thud, producing an audible "clank." The second one followed moments later, striking with a similar, thunderous thump.

As Chicago's third home run of the eighth inning soared toward the left-field bleachers, the sparse Progressive Field crowd let out a collective groan in anticipation of the oncoming sound of cowhide connecting with metal seating. Instead, this long ball found a walkway tunnel.

The trio of taters off reliever Chad Durbin plated four runs, providing the White Sox an insurmountable lead during their 8-4 victory on Wednesday. It also forced observers to file the pitching efforts of Ubaldo Jimenez and Mark Buehrle into their memory banks.

Buehrle bested Jimenez as the South Siders (76-79) gained ground in the dash for division runner-up, but the Indians (76-78) were offered another glimpse of the havoc their prized non-waiver Trade Deadline acquisition can wreak on opposing lineups.

"Ubaldo threw the ball well," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He had a good fastball. He was able to keep it in the mid-90s the whole game, and he showed probably the best slider he has shown so far."

Jimenez's arsenal was on full display early in Wednesday's contest, as he set down the White Sox in order in each of the first three innings.

He surrendered four runs and six hits in seven innings, exiting after a three-run seventh inflated his pitch count to 113 and gave Chicago a 4-2 advantage. Despite departing on the short end, the right-hander hurled at least six frames for the sixth straight start. He has posted a 3.20 ERA over that span.

Wednesday's matchup was a fair measuring stick for Jimenez, for whom the Indians parted with their top two pitching prospects in late July. Buehrle has baffled American League Central hitters for more than a decade. Jimenez has yet to find consistent success against his newfound foes, though the Indians hope his recent success will carry over into 2012.

Click here to read more of this story.