Here at Sox On 35th, we will be continuing our game recaps this offseason with a throwback to the 2005 Playoffs. Each day that, 14 years ago, the White Sox had a playoff game, we will recap it for you! Make sure to vote for Player of the Game every game, so that we can determine who you, the fans, thought were the MVPs of the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox! Now, let’s take this journey back to October 12, 2005…
In a game in which no one could really ever grab control of, this one looked to be heading to extras. A.J. Pierzynski had just struck out, and Mark Buehrle‘s nine-inning masterpiece was going to be left up to extra innings. However, home plate umpire Doug Eddings ruled a “dropped third strike”, and the White Sox took advantage. With the win, the Sox evened up the series at one game apiece. This was quite the exciting, wild, and memorable ballgame.
W: Mark Buehrle (2-0) | L: Kelvim Escobar (1-1)
The Good
- A.J. Pierzynski: 0-for-3, 2 K; Reached on crucial dropped third strike
- Pablo Ozuna: SB, R (Pinch ran for Pierzynski in ninth)
- Joe Crede: 2-for-4, 2B, Game Winning-RBI
- Mark Buehrle: 9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 8 Swinging Strikes
The Bad
- Carl Everett: 0-for-4
Moment of the Game
Nothing to see here, just A.J. being A.J.
Stats On 35th: Let’s Break This One Down by the Numbers
Today’s Numbers
58.8, 2014, 154, 6.09, 7
58.8
Today’s MVP, in terms of Win Probability Added (WPA) was Mark Buehrle (58.8%). Buehrle was dominant all game, putting the White Sox in the position to get back on track today. With only 99 pitches through 9, there’s a chance Buehrle could’ve gone out to start extra innings too.
2004
With his complete game effort today, Mark Buehrle because the first pitcher to throw a complete game since Jose Lima in the 2004 NLDS against the Cardinals. The Dodgers would go on to lose the series, so let’s hope it doesn’t mean the same for the White Sox!
154
In Mark Buehrle fashion, the length of today’s game was 2:34 (154 minutes). Incredibly, this was not even the shortest ballgame of the day, as Game 1 of the NLCS lasted only 2:29!
6.09
The White Sox’ rally in the bottom of the ninth was sustained thanks to Rule 6.09b in the major league rulebook: The batter becomes a runner when— … (b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out…“
Props to A.J. for being so alert in the moment. But, in Josh Paul‘s defense, I’m still not sure the ball hit the dirt…
7
The White Sox’ magic number to a World Series Championship fell to seven today. Four down, seven wins to go.
The Game Ahead: Magic Ahead in Anaheim?
- Jon Garland (2005: 18-10, 3.50 ERA) vs. John Lackey (14-5, 3.44 ERA), 7:30 PM CT
Player of the Game
This should be a tough one. Three good players to choose from; who’s the MVP today??
wpDiscuz
