Chicago White Sox: The Drive Past Five Key in Closing the Gap

The Chicago White Sox continue to tease fans as we approach the home stretch of the 2011 season.

The team that lost six straight to fall back in the American League Central standings has rebounded with a sweep of Minnesota and a four-game win streak following a 7-6 victory in Baltimore. On Tuesday, the White Sox will attempt to win their fifth consecutive game for the first time this season.

Chicago is in desperate need of a surge at this point of the season. They need to stay on a roll. Fortunately, the schedule has given them an opportunity to keep it going.

Of course, like coming back to win in a game they once led by four runs, doing things the easy way just isn't this ball club's style.

Monday's triumph was the first of four games with the Orioles, a series that will be followed by a three-game set with Kansas City. The White Sox need to stay hot after a surprise sweep of the Twins. Facing off against the two worst teams in the American League seems to be made to order.

However, Chicago hasn't been able to take advantage of the weak sisters on their schedule. Counting Monday's win, the White Sox are just 5-8 this season against the Orioles and Royals.

The Tigers took two of three from Kansas City, as Chicago was perfect in Minnesota this weekend. The White Sox also need to come out of both stops this week with series wins. Five wins in their next seven games is attainable. It just has to happen on the field.

Alex Rios hitting over .400 so far this month is an indication that anything's possible with the White Sox at this stage of the season. It's hard to trust this streaky bunch, but they've got a hold on me for another week.