Fernandez Shrugs Off Homers

Alex Fernandez, who can become the league's second winningestpitcher tonight behind Jack McDowell's 20, credits part of histurnabout from 8-11 last season to shrugging off home runs.

"I learned that from guys like Jack and Tom Seaver," saidFernandez (15-6), who has given up a team-high 21 homers.

"Seaver threw a lot of bombs, but most were solos that didn'thurt him. Same with Jack. He gives one up and doesn't have areaction at all.

"So my philosophy is, `OK, it's done! Just give me a new balland let's go.' "

VENTURA BACK: Robin Ventura returns from his two-game suspensiontonight to face ex-Sox farmhand Domingo Jean.

Where was Ventura when Monday's game ended at 1:29 a.m.?

"Head on the pillow," he said. Since he wasn't allowed in thedugout or clubhouse, Ventura went home after batting practice.

VENTURA BOOSTER: Ventura's penalty for charging Nolan Ryan didnot change chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's opinion of the soft-spokenthird baseman, who does behind-the-scenes work for Children'sMemorial Hospital.

"Robin is almost too good to be true," Reinsdorf said."Somebody did a helluva job raising him. I'd like to meet hisfather."

HOMER PACE: Frank Thomas' two home runs in Monday's 6-5,rain-delayed loss in 10 innings gave him 35 for a club-record pace of46. Two more and he'll tie leaders Dick Allen (1972) and CarltonFisk (1985).

LAMONT WRONG: The umpires were right. Manager Gene Lamont madethat confession after being ejected Monday by plate umpire DrewCoble.

Lamont felt pitcher Jimmy Key had balked - "but I saw the replayand he didn't."

PROUD PARK: Groundskeeper Roger Bossard was proud of the wayComiskey Park guzzled three inches of rain Monday.

"We have 9,000-square feet of tile and 12 inches of sand underthe field," he said. "Consequently, we had it ready 20 minutes afterthe first big rain."

NOTES: Tonight's game has a 7:35 p.m. ESPN start. It will beshown locally on SportsChannel. Tickets at $150 are still available for tomorrow's Lake Michigancruise with the Sox. Memorabilia to be auctioned will include aNolan Ryan autographed ball, Bo Jackson and Robin Ventura autographedjerseys and a jacket signed by the team. Reservations can be made at312-451-5294.