It was yet another resilient victory for the White Sox tonight, as they fought back after giving up two runs in the first inning just like last night. They have a shot tomorrow to sweep the American League’s best team (record wise). Two days ago we were all pissed off at this team. Now, it’s a total 180.
Youk’s Grand Slam
Youk circles the bases after his grand slame broke a 2-2 tie (photo via USA Today).
Did anyone else not think that had a chance to go out when it was hit? I was at the game tonight, and from the left field line, it looked like that was going to be a pop-up between Cano and Swisher off the bat. It shows the kind of brute strength that Youk has, as he was able to really just fist that pitch out of the ballpark.
Liriano Fights Hard
Francisco Liriano showed a lot of resiliency tonight after giving up a home run to Derek Jeter on the first pitch of the ballgame, as he only gave up one more run in the inning and none after that. His control was not there tonight and his pitch count rose quickly, but he really buckled down when he had to and earned this victory. Another great, encouraging outing for Liriano, as he’s now been good in four of his five White Sox outings.
Wise Keeps on Rolling
D-Wise is on a tear, going 4-for-5 tonight and just hitting line drives to all parts of the field. When someone is using the whole field like he is, you know he’s seeing the ball really well because he’s just taking everything where it is pitched. Let’s hope he can keep this up for De Aza’s DL stint, as that could be the difference between a division title or nothing for this team.
Paulie does it Again
That’s three home runs for PK in five games since his return from a concussion. Zach suggested that a rest may have been what he needed after all, and right now that appears to be correct. His hands are MUCH quicker now than they were over the past three months, as his home run today shows that. He really got around fast on that inside fastball from Nova, which also tells me that the wrist is feeling much better as well.
Going for the Sweep
The Sox are in a fantastic position to sweep the Yankees with Chris Sale taking the hill against Phil Hughes. Sale is coming off his worst start since coming back from his brief “shutdown” stint. I bet he’s motivated to put that past him and face the Yankees for the first time in his career as a starter. Tomorrow is one of those “must watch” games: Sale facing one of baseball’s best lineups. I cannot wait to see it!
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Posted by Luke Stanczyk, GSB! Contributor