Tale of the Tape: White Sox 6, Angels 3

Here at Sox On 35^th, 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 16, 2005…

Today marks a historic day in White Sox and baseball history. The White Sox will be heading back to the World Series for the first time in 1959, and they got there on the strength of their pitching – FOUR CONSECUTIVE complete games by Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia, and Jose Contreras. The White Sox trailed late in the game, but four unanswered runs in the 7^th-9^th innings led to clinching the American League title.

W: Jose Contreras (2-1) | L: Kelvim Escobar (1-2)

The Good

• Jose Contreras: 9 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 8 Swinging Strikes

• Joe Crede: 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI

• Jermaine Dye: 2-for-4, 2B, BB, RBI

The Bad

Who cares – the Sox won the AL Pennant!

Moment of the Game

Konerko steps on the bag. Four complete games. Clinch.

Stats On 35^th: Let’s Break this One Down by the Numbers

Today’s Numbers:

43.3, 4, .835, .937, 4 (again!)

43.3

Today’s MVP, in terms of Win Probability Added (WPA) is Joe Crede (43.3%). Crede had the big hits when it mattered the most, homering to tie the game in the 7^th and giving the Sox the lead in the 8^th with an RBI single. Joe “Clutch” Crede indeed struck again.

4

Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia, and Jose Contreras. Four consecutive complete games, achieving a feat that will likely never be repeated. This is one of the most impressive runs of pitching in baseball history.

.835

While all the talk has been about what the Sox’ starting staff has been able to do, the White Sox’ offense has put up incredible numbers in the playoffs. The White Sox offense has a combined slash line of .250/.366/.469 (.835 OPS), complementing the dominant pitching with all-around offense as well. This team has moved one series closer to the ultimate goal.

.937

Paul Konerko was crowned the ALCS MVP today for his performance. Konerko put the White Sox ahead early in two games in Anaheim with a couple of homers, and in the series, he batted .286/.318/.619 (.937 OPS).

4

Seven wins down. Four more to go. Bring on Houston/St. Louis.

Player of the Game

Who gets the vote this time! Will someone finally capture their second Player of the Game Award??

2005 Forever: Relive the Magic

ALDS

• Game 1: Red Sox 2, White Sox 14
• Game 2: Red Sox 4, White Sox 5
• Game 3: White Sox 5, Red Sox 3

ALCS

• Game 1: Angels 3, White Sox 2
• Game 2: Angels 1, White Sox 2
• Game 3: White Sox 5, Angels 2
• Game 4: White Sox 8, Angels 2
• Game 5: White Sox 6, Angels 3

World Series

• Game 1: Astros 3, White Sox 5
• Game 2: Astros 6, White Sox 7
• Game 3: White Sox 7, Astros 5 (14 innings)
• Game 4: White Sox 1, Astros 0

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