Game 1 was a 14-2 blowout and Games 2 and 3 were decided by a combined three runs but, regardless, it was a quick three-game sweep for the White Sox in the ALDS. Starters Jose Contreras, Mark Buehrle and Freddy Garcia all got wins for Chicago.

Paul Konerko, A.J. Pierzynski (two), Scott Podsednik and Juan Uribe all homered in Game 1 for the Sox in a romp at U.S. Cellular Field. Five Chicago players finished the series with four RBIs apiece.

David Ortiz was the only Boston hitter with more than three hits. Manny Ramirez drove in four.

Path to the ALDS: Chicago (99-63) won the AL Central by six games; Boston (95-67) finished the regular season tied for first in the AL East with New York, and was awarded the Wild Card because it lost the head-to-head regular-season series?

Managers: Ozzie Guillen, CWS; Terry Francona, BOS