With the start of the White Sox regular season postponed due to coronavirus concerns, NBC Sports Chicago has decided to re-air 70 victories from the 2005 season from now until June. Here at Sox On 35th, we will also be following along and recapping those games for you in our Tale of the Tape series.
Date of Game: May 31, 2005
This was quite the back-and-forth affair as the Sox and Angels exchanged leads four times before the White Sox edged Anaheim in the bottom of the 9th, thanks to a walk-off solo homer by Jermaine Dye. Cliff Polite earned his second win of the season, as four hitters had at least a pair of hits for the Sox. This was also the 17th game where the Sox won by just one run, and furthered their lead as the best team in baseball, improving to 35-17.
W: Cliff Polite (2-0) | L: Brendan Donnelly (2-1)
The Good
- Jermaine Dye (RF): 2-for-3, walk-off HR (10), BB, RBI, run
- Aaron Rowand (CF): 2-for-4, RBI
- Carl Everett (DH): 2-for-4, run
The Bad
- Freddy Garcia exits game with injury
- Left in the sixth inning with left hamstring irritation
- Paul Konerko (1B): 0-for-4, K
Moment of the Game
This is an easy one; Jermaine Dye played hero in the bottom of the ninth, driving the third pitch of the at bat over the Sox bullpen in left, earning the Sox win number 35 of 2005. The ball was caught by a guy in a Derek Lee, Cubs jersey. Go figure.
Stats On 35th – Let’s Break This One Down by the Numbers
Today’s Numbers:
44.2, 3, 1.42
44.2
Jermaine Dye had one of the highest WPA’s of the season, a 44.2, thanks to his 2-for-4 day, which included the walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth.
3
The White Sox bullpen had to come in earlier than expected, as a result of Freddy Garcia’s injury. They were solid in 3.2 innings, only allowing three hits.
1.42
The Sox averaged 1.42 hits per inning off of John Lackey, pounding him with 10 hits in seven innings.
Looking Ahead:
Next up, we turn back the clock to June 6th, 2005 as the Sox travel to Coors Field to take on the Rockies. NBC Sports Chicago have that one at 4:00 pm. As always, check back here at Sox On 35th for the recap!
Player of the Game
Today’s Player of the Game is the hero, Jermaine Dye.
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