IT WAS OVER WHEN …
White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome hit an 0-1 offering from Chris Waters 435 feet to center field for the 535th home run of his career. The prodigious blast gave the White Sox a 4-3 lead, and moved the left-handed slugger into 15th on the all-time home run list.
O’S FANS CHEERED …
When the Orioles put up three runs in the fourth inning to wreck Clayton Richard’s no-hit bid. Lou Montanez led off with a double, and three of the next four batters singled as the Orioles grabbed a brief 3-2 lead.
O’S FANS JEERED …
When Waters interrupted his windup with two out and a runner on third base in the fifth inning. Waters was called for a balk, and attributed his hesitation to movement in the batter’s box. Alexei Ramirez walked home from third to tie the game at three.
FANTASY STUD …
White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored to pace the Chicago offense. Ramirez has been quite a find for Chicago, batting .314 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs.
GOOD CALL …
By White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen to stick with Richard through a difficult fourth inning. The rookie learned to battle out of a jam, and rewarded his manager with six solid innings in the victory.
BAD CALL …
In hindsight not to bunt with one out in the ninth inning. The Orioles got Jay Payton on base, but Alex Cintron swung away with Brian Roberts on deck, flying out to center field. Had the Orioles laid down the bunt, moved Payton into second base, and brought Roberts up with a base open, it’s possible the game would have changed.
IF ONLY …
Waters could take back his mistakes in the fifth and sixth innings. The fifth-inning balk and sixth-inning solo home run were the difference in the game. Otherwise, Waters threw a strong game.
