Tim Anderson and the Chicago White Sox had the last laugh in their three-game series in the Bronx against the New York Yankees, as Tony La Russa's squad took with them back to Chicago a 5-0 win over the Bronx Bombers on Sunday. Prior to that, the White Sox beat the Yankees in an earlier game on the same day, 3-1. But the real fuel for the animosity between these teams in the series was spilled during the Yankees' 7-5 win over the White Sox Saturday.

After the White Sox's win in the final game of the series,  La Russa heaped praises on Anderson and clearly emphasized that his team has the star shortstop's back.

Via Betelhem Ashame of MLB.com.

“This guy is — he’s as good as anybody playing at that position, and one of the best players in baseball,” said manager Tony La Russa. “So he deserves the recognition, and he deserves the respect. When somebody disrespects him, well, he should get upset. I know I would. Point is, when you talk about how special he is, think about the game he had under those circumstances.”

White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech also chimed in, as he admired the way Anderson handled himself in the Bronx, which was by letting his bat do the talking. Anderson hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning of Game 3 to further pad Chicago's lead.

“I think that speaks hugely to the character of Tim and what we’re trying to be in this clubhouse, and that’s a family,” Kopech said. “Not to speak too much on that, but Tim’s going to show up every day ready to play and lead this team. And he did that again tonight.

The 28-year-old Anderson now has five home runs. He is also second and fifth in the majors in terms of batting average (.359) and hits (52), respectively.