It was another crazy game for our South Siders, but all that matters is that they stretched the winning streak to five and kept a 2.5 lead ahead of the Detroit Tigers. Let’s take a look at what happened…
Angry Bird
That was the most Robin Ventura has imploded on an umpire all year, and for good reason. As readers of this blog have come to know, I’m usually against managers making scenes, but in this case he was in the right. I’m sure the team expressed it’s displeasure with the umpire to Robin. Hawk Harrelson likes to complain about the umpires, but he wasn’t lying tonight when he said that Lance Barrett had two different strike zones. Jose Quintana was getting squeezed big time, you could even tell from row 34, section 128 (where my seats were tonight), while Blake Beaven was getting everything.
The picture really shows exactly how angry AJ Pierzynski was (Credit: MLB.com).
However, expect AT LEAST a hefty fine for Robin, and I wouldn’t be shocked if the MLB hands down a game suspension because he made contact with the umpire. However, given that all Robin was really doing was arguing to protect Quintana and AJ and not really arguing the call (at least that’s my assumption, although it was probably a bit of both), maybe the MLB gives him a pass on the suspension. I’m just saying don’t be shocked if there is. At least it was entertaining to hear AJ drop a few F-bombs right?
Quintana’s Gutsy Outing
It’s almost as if Robin coming out and defending Quintana really vaulted the rookie into a great outing. He has one of his worst innings of the year in the first, walking four guys (although we know Lance Barrett had a lot to do with that) and giving up the three run jack to Kyle Seager (his first of two homers on the night). He also got a few hard it balls in the second inning even though it was a 1-2-3 frame. However, as soon as Robin came out, it was like a light went on for Quintana, and he got us into the sixth inning even when it looked like he was going to be done after two. He even retired 12 batters in a row at one point. This kid has some guts, and that’s what makes me believe he’s not going to be just a flash in the pan. Just like everyone else on this team, he’s bounced back from adversity so well.
“Advil Addison”
Speaking of bouncing back from adversity, it looked for a minute there like Addison Reed was going to be flawless. However, he surrendered the solo shot to Seager with two outs, proceeding to do what he usually does: make the game interesting. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the kid and I think he has the right mentality and enough ability to close. A lot of times though, his youth shows. The important thing is though that he got the save even though he’s obviously working through a bit of a cold spell right now.
Tyler Comes Through
So who had Tyler Flowers as their Pick-to-Click tonight? Considering he wasn’t in the starting lineup, I’m guessing no body. A game-tying home run and a bunt single to set up a sacrifice fly definitely makes Tyler tonight’s player of the game. How about the gutsy call by Mark Parent to keep the bunt sign on with an 0-2 count? Not sure if I would have done the same, but I’m glad it worked out.
Going for a Perfect Homestand!
The Sox trot Gavin Floyd out tomorrow afternoon, as he and the White Sox will don those 1972 throwbacks against Kevin Millwood and the Mariners. The Sox have not swept an entire homestand of more than three games since they went 7-0 against the Angels and Royals from July 5-11 of 2010. Gavin Floyd is coming off a horrific outing, but he has a chance to right the ship against a weak Mariners lineup tomorrow. Let’s hope we are all taking out are brooms for the second time this week!
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Posted by Luke Stanczyk, GSB! Contributor