Victor Martinez had a big day for the Tribe, but in the end it wasn’t enough as the White Sox defeated the Indians 4-3 in 11 innings. Martinez ripped two solo homers, plus singled in a run, to plate all three Cleveland runs. Chicago went back to little ball as they scored a run on a bases loaded by Paulie Konerko DP, Scott Podsednik knocked in Alex Cintron with a pinch single, but the best was yet to come. In the top of the 11th Victor put the Indians up one when he launched a long no doubter over the leftfield wall off Matt Thornton. At that point all the air was let out of the Cell, it was eerily quiet, but it was just the calm before the storm. A.J. Pierzynski singled off Cleveland closer Bob Wickman to open the flood gates, Podsednik bunted A.J. to 2nd, Rob Mackowiak tied the game when he drove home Pie with a single to center (taking 2nd on the throw home), Pablo Ozuna ended the game with a hard single to RF, but the umpire ruled Mackowiak out at the plate. No argument ensued, although replays clearly showed the runner’s foot touching the plate before the tag, as Mackowiak slid to the back side of the dish (Ozuna took 2nd on the throw). Moments later Tadahito Iguchi plated Pablo with the game winner.
Consistent starting pitching and the long ball have been the mark of the White Sox success thus far, but this win was a flashback to last year when Ozzie Ball was all the rage. One thing was the same as it’s always been, Bobby Jenks! Where have all the detractors gone? Early on everybody was saying the Sox were in trouble because Jenks was overweight and his fastball dropped from triple digits into a hittable mid 90s range, and he wasn’t getting his breaking stuff over. Now he’s clocking in at 100, with a nasty curve that drops in at 69. In his last ten times out Bobby has not given up a run in 10 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 15, saving seven, and winning one. The Sox won nine of those ten games and although he didn’t figure directly in this win over the Tribe, Jenks was key, allowing one hit over 1 1/3 innings. Bobby has been LIGHTS OUT coming in to BOOM by P.O.D. blasting over the PA system throughout the ballpark.
This one was extra special as the Baseball Zealot brought his kids up to Chicago. How could the Sox lose with the Baseball Zealot & Teddy Ballgame in the house?!?! Can’t go to Sunday’s White Sox game at the Cell, first June miss, as I’ll be celebrating my Grandmother’s 95th. Happy Birthday Grandma Miller!!!
LET’S GO WHITE SOX!!!