– I was lucky enough to be at this game, and as far dog-days-of-summer regular season games go, this has to be the best one I’ve ever been to. Offensive outbursts like these don’t come around very often, and in fact, tonight was the first time they scored 19 runs in a game since they scored 20 against the Cardinals in a game in 2006. Also, it was only the 22nd time in history the Sox had scored 19 or more runs in a game. Simply put, tonight was a pretty historic game for this ball club.
– Roy Oswalt isn’t a good pitcher at this point in his career, and tonight, the White Sox showed why. Every single time Oswalt got the ball up and out over the plate, the Sox hit it hard somewhere. When you score 19 runs on 21 hits, everyone contributes. Aside from the second basemen, that was certainly the case tonight (0-for-5 combined for Beckham and Hudson).
– The fifth inning was very encouraging not just because of the nine runs, but because of how they got them. How many times in the past have we seen the opposing team make an error, but the Sox failing to capitalize? After Kinsler’s error, the Sox plated seven unearned runs in that inning. That’s called making it hurt.
– So yeah, Ron Washington should feel pretty bad that he left AJ Pierzynski off the All-Star team. I bet that after tonight’s 3-for-5 performance with a homerun, double and three RBI, people around baseball now realize that he does belong. When you look at his numbers this season and then consider that he’s an everyday catcher, it’s almost a crime that he was left off the roster.
– I can’t point out everyone on this offense tonight (I’d never stop writing), but I will point out that it was a GREAT home debut for Kevin Youkilis. So far, the Youkilis two-hole experiment has been working fantastic. Due to the volume of the “YOUKKK” chants in the stadium tonight, I’d say he’s already become a fan favorite.
– Chris Sale, again, was dominant, and that Rangers team is no slouch of an offense. It appears that he will not start Sunday’s game against Toronto, leaving the door open for him to start the All-Star game. Given the way he pitched against the All-Star manager tonight, I’ll predict he gets that nod.
– However, not starting him Sunday means yet another rookie may join the team for that game to make a start. Also, with Jesse Crain likely headed to the DL, it looks like Duente Heath, another rookie, will join the squad. On top of that, we saw another rookie, Brian Omogrosso, look pretty unimpressive tonight. Noticing a concerning trend here? Yes, the White Sox bullpen is becoming a pretty big problem pretty fast due to all the injuries. I hate to put a damper on this win, but all this youth in the bullpen is a big concern for me.
Enjoy this win, though, because these are the kinds of games you will remember years from now. Let’s hope that the Sox saved a few runs for tomorrow’s game and give the fans some more fireworks on this great holiday.
Happy Fourth everyone.
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Posted by GSB! Editor, Luke Stanczyk
