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 14, 2005…
With the series tied, the White Sox went to Anaheim looking to grab some momentum. With a first inning home run, Paul Konerko vaulted the offense to an early lead, providing plenty of support for Jon Garland in his complete game effort. With the win, the White Sox took the series lead on the road – something that is never easy to do.
W: Jon Garland (1-0) | L: John Lackey (0-1)
The Good
- Tadahito Iguchi (2B): 2-for-4, 2B, SH, 2 runs
- Jermaine Dye (RF): 1-for-2, 2B, 2 BB, RBI, run
- Paul Konerko (1B): 3-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, run
- Jon Garland (SP): 9.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 HR
- 118 pitches – 83 strikes, 35 balls
The Bad
- Aaron Rowand (CF): 0-for-4, GDP
- Joe Crede (3B): 0-for-4
Moment of the Game
John Lackey hung it and Paul Konerko hurt it.
FLASHBACK: John Lackey gives up a 2-run home run to Paul Konerko in Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS. pic.twitter.com/b7Zn174kw6
— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) October 16, 2017
Stats On 35th – Let’s Break this One Down by the Numbers
Today’s Numbers:
30.6, 0.2, 1.091, 10, 6
30.6
In what comes as likely no surprise, today’s MVP, in terms of Win Probability Added (WPA) is Jon Garland (30.6%). Garland followed Buehrle’s Game 2 masterpiece with one of his own, and the White Sox have now thrown two consecutive complete games.
0.2
Through the first three games of this series, the White Sox’ bullpen has worked just 0.2 innings in relief. Neal Cotts’ two outs in Game 1 remain the only time at which a reliever has come into the game for the Sox. Let’s see what Freddy Garcia can do tomorrow!
1.091
While all the buzz around A.J. Pierzynski has focused on his Game 2 “dropped third strike” fiasco, what has been ignored is the incredibly start to the postseason he has had. After Game 3, Pierzynski’s playoff slash line is .300/.391/.700 (1.091 OPS). He has clearly been a catalyst for the bottom of the lineup throughout the postseason.
10
In his complete game effort, Jon Garland registered 10 swinging strikes. This is the highest amount for a White Sox’ SP this postseason!
6
With the win, the White Sox moved just six games away from their first world championship in 88 years.
Looking Ahead: One Away from the World Series
- Freddy Garcia (2005: 14-8, 3.87 ERA) vs. Ervin Santana (2005: 12-8, 4.65 ERA), 5:15 PM PT – Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Player of the Game
Mark Buehrle pulled away with the Game 2 honors. Now it’s time to choose today’s MVP!
[forminator_poll id=”15556″]
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