MLB: Chicago White Sox 1, Minnesota 0

CHICAGO, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Jim Thome's seventh-inning homer Tuesday lifted the Chicago White Sox to a 1-0 playoff victory over the Minnesota Twins for the American League Central title.

John Danks (12-9) gave up just two hits with four strikeouts and three walks over eight shutout innings for the White Sox, who won their third straight to take the division.

Losing pitcher Nick Blackburn (11-11) gave up just four hits and one run in 6 1/3 innings. The Twins had lost two of three at home to the Kansas City Royals to close the regular season when another win would have clinched the division.

The White Sox will play the AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS starting Thursday at St. Petersburg, Fla.

The win ensures that both Chicago baseball clubs will play in the post-season for the first time since 1906, when the White Sox defeated the 116-win Cubs in six games.