Results tagged ‘ Ken Griffey Jr ’
Back-to-Back Homers Power Sox to Series Win
After playing a Doubleheader the day before, the Sox have Gavin Floyd going to the mound for the rubber match against the M’s. AJ got the Sox on the board first with a solo shot to Right in the second inning, but the lead didn’t last long when Floyd gave up a two run RBI double to Griffey. At the end of the frame, the M’s managed to plate three runs.
Floyd battled through six innings surrendering three runs on ten hits with two walks and three strikeouts. It was a true blue collar effort, but he managed to keep the Sox in the game until the bats came alive.
Alexei made a sensational catch in short left field to double off Yuniesky Betancourt at 2nd base. It was a huge play that kept the game within reach until the bottom of the frame. The Sox started the sixth with a pair of singles which chased Bedard out of the game. Betemit laced a RBI double which cut the M’s lead to one. Alexei tied the game with a sac fly to right scoring AJ.
Thornton pitched a solid seventh inning, and the bats errupted in the bottom half of the frame with back-to-back home runs from Quentin and Dye; both sluggers were struggling at the plate. Betemit hit his second double of the game. BA left due to injury at his at-bat, and Owens took over with a 1-2 strike, grounding out for the centerfielder.
Linebrink pitched the eighth while surrendering a single to Gutierrez, and the Sox offense was back to work. Alexei coaxed a walk, and he stole second. The M’s stymied the Sox running game so far, but Alexei swiped second with ease. A wild pitch placed Alexei on third with one out when Quentin strolled to the plate. A line drive single to left field gave the Sox an insurance run.
Jenks had a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his 5th save. He is 5-for-5 in saves this year.
Defense needed work, but JD made a spectacular catch in right when he fully extended himself in a dive early in the game. The Sox managed two errors in the game. After struggling the day before, the Sox had six runs on twelve hits.
Vazquez Gem, Offensive Barrage Keeps Sox Tied for First
Vazquez continued to pitch well going 8 innings with one run ball. The Pale Hose backed the veteran pitcher with four home runs. Quentin and Ramirez let the attack with 4 RBIs a piece. Quentin hit his league leading 34th home run while Alexei hit his second career grand slam. Uribe and Dye also had home runs.
It was good to see the Sox walk away with a series win this weekend. I am still a little disappointed that the Sox faltered on Friday night.
The Sox head back to Chicago to take on Griffey’s former team, the Seattle Mariners.
Sox, Swisher Head West to Battle the As
Swisher and the Pale Hose play a three game series with the Oakland Athletics.
Pitching:
- Floyd
- Danks
- Vazquez
This is another important series for the Sox. The Twins are at home still, and they are playing the Dirty Fishermen ( A joke I have with a friend from Seattle. ) Sox haven’t played will in Oakland, but I think they have momentum on their side with a good homestand. These next six games are very important to the Sox. Don’t let their records fool you. These teams will play hard, and the Sox need to remain focused and continue to pitch, play solid defense, and have timely hitting.
I hope Ozzie keeps Griffey batting second. He looked almost at home batting there, and he was able to extend innings with his walks. AJ has been in a mini slump which might give him a break if you bat him lower this weekend. He might sit out tho. Konerko has been hitting as of late, and Ozzie might want to keep his bat in the lineup. I assume he will give Swisher some starts in his return to Oakland. I expect Griffey might get some DH time to give Thome a rest. His home run yesterday was his first hit in over 10 at-bats.
Ozzie wants to give OC a rest, so I assume that will happen this weekend. Ramirez will slide over to play SS, and Getz should get another start at 2B. I assume this will happen Sunday when the Sox play against Gio Gonzalez.
Since I like making lineups:
1. OC, SS
2. Griffey, DH
3. CQ, LF
4. JD, RF
5. AJ, C
6. PK, 1B
7. Swisher, CF
8. Ramirez, 2B
9. Uribe, 3B
Broadway, Sox Offense Show How Sweeps Are Done
Lance Broadway walked away as a winner today. If the first inning was any indication of how the game was going to end, it didn’t look that good for the Pale Hose. Broadway turned it around, and he pitched 5 1/3 innings to be eligible for the win. The bullpen came in and pretty much slammed the door on the Royals. Russell pitched two impressive innings retiring all six batters, four via the strikeout.
With the Sox clinging to a 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the 6th, the offense finally took over by placing two men on for the always dangerous Jim Thome. Thome lauched his 25th homer of the year, but the offense still had something to say. Paulie, who botched a sure out to score two runs for the Royals, started to click at the plate. He felt a little left out of the offense and hit a home run to LF. Alexei stepped up to the plate, and he didn’t want to walk alway empty handed and hit a home run. The Royals bring a new pitcher for Uribe – who hasn’t hit a home run since May 8th – to connect for his 4th home run of the year. It was back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs for the Sox, and they cruised to a 9-2 win and completed the sweep – their first of the second half if I recall.
This was a statement game. After a rough first inning, the Sox regrouped nicely and took it to the Royals. Griffey, batting 2nd, was 1-2 with two walks and a run scored. Quentin was hit again for the 6th game in a row. JD, who continues to be clutch, and is the MVP of the Sox this year, hit a two run double. The man of the hour was Paulie who went 3-5 with two singles and a home run. He raised his average to .226 and has been doing an okay job at the plate. I really hope this sparks Paulie. I think most people can forget his start with a strong finish. Remember it’s how you finish!
I liked Griffey batting 2nd. He looked more comfortable batting there than 5th,6th, or 7th.
Buehrle Cruises to Win; Sox Pitch Back-to-Back Shutouts
Buehrle continued where he left off from his last start, and he dominated the Royals lineup for his 10th win of the season. The Sox win back-to-back shutouts, and they look for the sweep tomorrow behind Lance Broadway and the first place White Sox.
Uribe’s defense has been spectacular at 3rd and tonight was no different. He made an awesome pick from a sharp grounder off the bat of Butler.
Griffey made a nice diving catch in CF and added an RBI single in the first.
JD continues to get the job done with a RBI double which was set up with AJ’s sac bunt. Situational hitting. Gotta love it!
The night goes Buehrle. The Sox Starters have really picked it up these last few games, and I hope we can go on a nice run.
Getz had a nice hit-and-run in the 5th which set up another run for the Sox. This kid looks solid so far, and I look forward to see more of him in the future.
Paulie has been getting it done as of late; two walks and a RBI single plating AJ.
Another solid win for the pale hose, and lets go get them tomorrow!
Go Sox!
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Twins won today on Young’s three-run blast; his second in two days. The Sox and Twins are in a virtual tie for first place pending tonight’s outcome.
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Buehrle on the mound for the Pale Hose.
Tonight’s lineup:
1. OC, SS
2. AJ, C
3. JD, RF
4. Thome, DH
5. Paulie, 1B
6. Griffey, CF
7. Swisher, LF
8. Uribe, 3B
9. Getz, 2B
Getz gets his first MLB start. He had his first hit and RBI last night against the Royals PHing for Ramirez in the 8th. Quentin is out again for general soreness. He is expected to return to the lineup tomorrow.
Vazquez Pitches Gem; Sox Win
Sox WIN! And, boy did we really need this win. It was a morale win after the Sox waste the beautiful gem Danks pitched last night.
Vazquez really stepped up tonight and pitched a whale of a ballgame. The Sox needed an outing like this from the 32 year old starter, and Vazquez dominated the Royals lineup. It was nice to see the Sox bounce back from the disappointing loss last night. They seemed to be a livelier crew and responded quick and efficeint. Russell came in the 9th and cruised to the final out.
Congrats go to Chris Getz for his first hit and RBI as a Major Leaguer.
Brian Anderson hit a double in the 8th after coming in as a defensive replacement for Griffey at the top of the inning.
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The White Sox have Vazquez on the bump tonight versus The Royals.
CQ was scratched from tonight’s lineup because of general soreness. ( He was hit with a pitch in 5 consecutive games ). Konerko will play first, and Swisher will start in LF.
Critical Series With the Royals
When you think of the Royals, you think easy wins. Not this year. The Sox have struggled with the Royals, and the Royals lead the series 7-5. There is no joking about it. The Sox need a sweep and a little help from the Yankees ( I hate asking anything from the Yankees ). The Sox have Javvy, Buehrle, and TBD ( most likely Carrasco ) for the series.
Javvy has been downright bad these last few months. He drives me insane, and I am sure I will have some few choice words before the game is over tonight. He needs to trust his stuff and attack the hitters. When he starts to nibble around the plate, he starts to walk people, loses focus, and bam! a two run homer. He needs to make sure his offspeed stuff is down low and not over the plate to get hammered. Location. Location. Location.
Buehrle walked away with a stellar performance Friday night against Boston. He has been hot and cold as of late. When he is hot, he is sizzling, and when he is cold, the opposing batters are grinning like hyenas. Main think for Buehrle is location. He cannot hang his offspeed stuff or it will get hammered.
Carrasco has been fantastic at home, and he will most likely get the starting nod Thursday since Lance Broadway pitched Monday night.
The Sox really need a strong outing from their pitching staff, but the offense has to get some run support. Griffey needs to pick it up a little. I am not looking for bombs. Just solid baseball. He is swinging the bat a little better, so lets hope the butterflies are finally gone. I keep looking like an idiot saying he will break out soon. I’ve been saying that for a week now. It’s coming soon!
Quentin cannot do everything, but it seems that when he struggles, the team struggles. He is the heatbeat of the offense.
Danks Flirts with No-No, But Sox Fall Back Into Second Place
It’s disheartening to see Danks pitch so well but never get any run support. He hardly gives up more than a few runs, and he is constantly keeping his ball club in the game. Last night was no different for Danks. He had a perfect game going into the Six until he hit a batter. In the Seven, a broken bat blooper broke up the no-hitter.
What amazed me was that no one went out to speak to him.
Even though Danks is having a fantastic year, he is still a young ballplayer. If I was AJ or Coop, I would have walked out there and spoke to him. Tell the kid. “Hey, you are doing great, don’t lose your focus.” But, Danks did just that. After he walked the next batter, then Coop came out. At this point the damage was done, Danks focus was gone, and he left an offspeed pitch over the outside of the plate that JD Drew adjusted to and Boston took the lead 2-1 on the RBI Double. Boston would cruise to a 5-1 by the night’s end.
I have no clue why Ozzie went with Thornton. He has been overworked, and he hasn’t been getting the borderline calls as of late either. Two bad back-to-back outings for Thornton, and I know he has good stuff. But, it suffers when he is overworked.
I hate to say this, but I do not see the Sox winning the division with play like this. Walks are killing us. The bullpen needs to do alot better, and the offense needs to put up a few more runs. When our bullpen is fresh, holding onto a one run lead isn’t an issue.
Hopefully the Sox can pick up a veteran pitcher. It looks like Washburn is out of the pitcher since he is a fly-ball pitcher. Sox need something.
I really hoped that the win Sunday would spark the team; it did Danks, but he was the only one that seemed to be fired up. The offense looked lackluster. I think some of it had to do with Beckett’s performance. He was pitching just as well as Danks. Quentin looked horrible at the plate – swinging at so much stuff out of the strike zone. We were able to manufacture a run, but unfortunately that was all we could muster.
Tonight’s Lineup:
1. OC, SS
2. AJ, C
3. CQ, LF
4. JD, RF
5. Thome, DH
6. Ramirez, 2B
7. Griffey, CF
8. Swish, 1B
9. Uribe, 3B
Griffey makes it back into the lineup playing CF. Paulie sits.
The White Sox send John Danks to the mound for the series win versus Boston tonight. The Red Sox counter with Josh Beckett.
Danks will need to pitch well tonight to save the bullpen who have been taxed.
Griffey didn’t play for the consecutive day because of general soreness Sunday. Hopefully he will be avaliable to play in the finale tonight.
Uribe, who has been stellar for the past week, was awarded 3B until the return of Joe Crede from the DL who is still struggling with back issues. This kind of reminded me of the time Crede went on the DL in ’05 with a wrist injury, and when he came back, he went on a hot streak. Hopefully Crede will be able to return soon and give the Sox an immediate impact.
I still want to see more situational hitting. Hitting into double plays killed rallies Saturday for the Sox, and we should do more hit-and-runs, stealing, and bunting. All or nothing with the Home Runs is fun to watch, but that will not cut it in the post season.
Sox vs Sox; 4 Game Series
The White Sox need to recover from the disappointing loss of last night. The White Sox will send Mark Buehrle to the mound. He didn’t have a great outing versus the Royals, but I think he will rebound well. I hate to say that this series is key, but it seems that every series is going to be key for the White Sox with the Twins nipping at their heels.
The White Sox will get a rotation boost with Contreras coming back from the DL and pitching Saturday. His presence was sorely missed when he was on the DL. Clayton Richard filled in for three starts, and he compiled a 0-2 record for his time before being sent down to Triple A.
At the very least, the White Sox need a split. I would prefer a series win, and I would be ecstatic with a sweep but getting a spilt would be a good start.
Carlos Quentin has been hot as of late. He hit his 30th Home Run last night, and he leads the team in home runs and RBIs. JD will return to the lineup after receiving a day off last night. He has been very clutch for the Sox, and we are going to need his bat for this weekend.
Juan Uribe’s defense has been outstanding, and he is getting better at the plate. He is a volcano waiting to erupt. Look for him to have a good series this weekend.
If Paulie continues to swing the bat well, expect Griffey to receive more opportunities to knock in runs. He will need to step up with runners in scoring position.
Vazquez Continues Woes; Sox Fail to Sweep
I do not understand Vazquez. The guy has outstanding stuff, yet when he struggles, he is so-so bad. Pitches are not even close to the plate, and last night was no exception. After a amazing catch in CF by Nick Swisher to save a run, Vazquez gave up a two-run homer to Cabrera with the first pitch offered. You could sense this was going to be a long game for the Sox – one that will not bode well if Vazquez continued to pitch like that. Good for the Sox, he settled down and got into a grove until he started leaving his offspeed stuff up in the zone. The game was still in reach for the Sox even when they were down 5-3.
The offense was a little disappointing. Man at third with less than two outs? Nada. Sox couldn’t bring them home. The rally in the 8th? I felt it was cut short because Cox sent Thome home off of Konerko’s Double. You cannot first-to-home Thome. I’m sorry, but he had nothing left in the tank and the Sox paid the price, settling for Quentin’s solo shot.
The bullpen came in and gave up three runs which put the game out of reach for the Sox.
It was really good to see Paulie have a decent game. I hope he can pull it around because this team needs him.
Griffey still looks alittle uncomfortable at the plate. With Paulie heating up, Griffey needs to step it up a little. He can do it. I have faith in him. I still feel there are going to be good things that come from Griffey in the near future.
Sox fall 8-3.
Today’s Lineup:
1. OC, SS
2. AJ, C
3. CQ, LF
4. Thome, DH
5. Paulie, 1B
6. Jr, RF
7. Ramirez, 2B
8. Swisher, CF
9. Uribe, 3B
Griffey is back in the lineup today playing in RF. JD has the night off.
Sox look for the sweep today, and they send Javvy to the mound. The Sox will need another strong outing from their Starter today.
Uribe’s defense has been awesome as of late, and the Sox need to continue to play good defense behind their pitching.
I would like to see a little more situational hitting: men in motion, bunting, and hitting to the opposite field. The latter helped Thome raise his average. I like to see the same from Paulie and Swisher.
After having a day off yesterday, look for Griffey to be in the line up today.
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