6/8/06 Went to the Cell to see if the White Sox could sweep Detroit, but wasn’t optimistic as veteran lefty Kenny Rogers was on the bump for the Striped Cats in this one. As it turned out Pudge Rodriguez was the difference. Although Joey Cora’s waving arm contributed to the Sox loss in the very first inning, trying to score Jermaine Dye on AJ Pierzynski’s 2 out double, with Joe Crede on deck, and a struggling Rogers trying to escape the 1st inning with only two runs scoring. The relay man already had the ball as Dye was hitting 3rd, it was no contest. It turned out to be the only time the Pale Hose would dent home plate. Placido Polanco took Jon Garland deep for a two run third inning game tying bomb, Garland allowed two other drives which died in gloves at the warning track.
The turning point came in the top of the 6th when Rodriguez pushed the issue. Ivan got a one out single, tagged & took 2nd when Rob Mackowiak caught a high fly hit by Magglio Ordonez drifting back. A little duck snort by Carlos Guillen scored Pudge, Konerko failed to cut the throw, allowing the Guillen to take 2nd. Then a soft roller to short was beaten out by Omar Infante, Paulie hestitated as he took the throw, Guillen didn’t & scored from 2nd. And then Marcus Thames took Garland over the LF fence for a two run big fly. Had Rodriguez not tagged up, arguably the Tigers get nothing off Garland. If Ifs, ands, & buts were candy & nuts – everyday would be Christmas. White Sox lose a sleeper 6-2.