CHICAGO — Oh, what a night. Championship banners were unveiled, replays of the not-so-long-ago World Series flashed on a large scoreboard and two jets roared through U.S. Cellular Field as the Chicago White Sox and their fans celebrated.

In a memorable and soggy opener that extended into the next day thanks to a nearly three-hour rain delay, the White Sox did more than relive the 2005 season that produced their first World Series winner in 88 years.

They got a glimpse of what 2006 might bring. Veteran Jim Thome, their biggest offseason addition, homered Sunday night, and young right-hander Brandon McCarthy came out of the bullpen for three perfect innings in a 10-4 win over the Cleveland Indians.

"I look at the scoreboard and it says this guy (Thome) hit more home runs against the White Sox than anybody," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's got 18 in this ballpark. Hopefully, he'll hit another 60. I know if this kid stays healthy, he's going to do some damage in Chicago."

Thome played his first 12 seasons with the Indians before spending the last three in Philadelphia. Facing Cleveland for the first time, he drove out a long two-run homer in the fourth inning — right after the two-hour, 57-minute rain delay — off reliever Fernando Cabrera.

Cleveland, which chased Chicago for the AL Central title a year ago only to falter in the final week, sustained an early loss when starter C.C. Sabathia had to leave after 2 1-3 innings after he strained an abdominal muscle while delivering a pitch. He will be re-examined Monday and could be headed to the DL.