Tale of the Tape: White Sox 7, Astros 6

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 23, 2005…

I don’t think I have too many words for this game. In what will go down in White Sox history as a World Series Classic, the White Sox fought high adversity twice in this ballgame, coming back from a 4-2 deficit, and later, bouncing back from a blown save to be saved by none other than Scott Podsednik (of course). This one is going to be one that White Sox fans talk about for a very long time, especially if the South Siders are able to finish off the next two wins.

W: Neal Cotts (1-0) | L: Brad Lidge (0-2)

The Good

• Paul Konerko: 1-for-4, Grand Slam, 4 RBI

• Scott Podsednik: 1-for-5, HR, RBI

• Mark Buehrle: 7 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 7 Swinging Strikes

*Every player recorded at least one hit

The Bad

• Bobby Jenks: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, Blown Save

Moment of the Game

I can’t choose between these two moments. So let’s choose them both!

Stats On 35^th: Let’s Break this one down By the Numbers

Today’s Numbers:

50.0, 28, 18, 3, 2

50.0

Today’s MVP, in terms of Win Probability Added (WPA), is Paul Konerko (50.0%). With the White Sox struggling to get anything going on offense, they found a way to load the bases with two outs. Paulie came to the plate, and well, you know the rest.

28

Before Konerko’s grand slam, the White Sox’ Win Expectancy was just 28%. After the grand slam? 86%. This was an astronomical 58% swing in Win Expectancy, all with just one swing.

18

Paul Konerko’s Grand Slam was the 18th grand slam hit in World Series history. What a moment for the long-time White Sox 1B and Captain.

3

Bobby Jenks’ ninth inning blown save was just his third of the season, and his first since September 20. Interestingly enough, he blew two straight saves on Sept. 19 and 20, and that’s been it. Jenks has been incredible this season, and I have no doubt Guillen will run him right back out there the next time the situation calls for “the wide, tall guy.”

2

We’ve gone from 11 to 2 in just a matter of weeks. The White Sox have firmly grabbed the momentum heading to Houston.

The Game Ahead: Take a Commanding Lead

• Jon Garland (2005: 18-10, 3.50 ERA) vs. Roy Oswalt (2005: 20-12, 2.94 ERA), 7:30 PM CT

Player of the Game

This is definitely going to be the hardest one yet, and I’m only giving you two options. Who’s it going to be?!?

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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