White Sox clinch AL Central

Tony La Russa stood in the dugout, soaking in the moment as the Chicago White Sox celebrated winning their first AL Central title since 2008.

The Hall of Fame manager came out of retirement for moments like this, but it was still hard for him to believe it was real. The White Sox clinched the division with a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Indians on Thursday in the opener of a doubleheader split that ended with a 5-3 loss.

“It’s like fantasy island because you never thought you’d have this chance -- and here we are, the division champions,” La Russa said. “I’m glad the guys were able to win the first game today and not delay it. They did it the first time they had the chance to.”

Chicago, a wild-card team last year, is going to the postseason in consecutive years for the first time. The White Sox are in their first season under La Russa, who will turn 77 on Oct. 4.

La Russa had retired after guiding St. Louis to the 2011 World Series title and was hired to replace Rick Renteria last October.

“I think we got the right guy,” said shortstop Tim Anderson, who homered twice in the opener. “I’m pleased with the way he’s handled everything and been part of the family. It’s a blessing to go out and be able to clinch it today.”

Chicago (86-67) moved into first place for good on May 7. The White Sox have not advanced in the postseason since winning the 2005 World Series and last hosted a playoff game 13 years ago.

Anderson hit his fifth leadoff home run of the season and added a three-run drive in the second for his sixth career multi-homer game. Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez hit consecutive homers in the second.

“We wanted it a lot more than they did and we jumped on them,” Anderson said. “It was an exciting moment, being able to put your team up right away, and I appreciated the chance to do it.”