CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox celebrated the past. Then newcomer Jim Thome showed them the promise of a new season.

Thome hit a two-run homer after a nearly three-hour rain delay and the defending World Series champions led the Cleveland Indians 10-3 after seven innings in the major league opener Sunday night.

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 homer in a three-run fourth inning and made his first curtain call at U.S. Cellular Field.

Cleveland, which chased Chicago for the A.L. 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 when he strained an abdominal muscle while delivering a pitch. He will be re-examined today.