The Chicago White Sox were reeling with five losses in seven games. Still, all they needed was one victory against the Cleveland Indians to clinch the American League Central title.
Anderson got the Sox going back in the right direction, hitting the third pitch of the game over the right-field wall for a home run.
“I stole the Paul Molitor label, which is ‘The Igniter,’” manager Tony La Russa said Thursday. “He’s our igniter. And (Thursday is) a great example.”
Anderson hit a three-run home run the next inning, leading the way in a 7-2 victory in Game 1 of the doubleheader as the Sox earned their first division title since 2008.