In the first inter-league match of the 2006 season, the White Sox took two out of three from their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs. In the first two games of the series, the Cubs were clearly outmatched by the Sox, who overall have stronger hitting, pitching and defense.
Sox pitching was the star of the show this weekend. Mark Buerle returned to his old efficient self on Friday with a 6-1 gem (the one run was unearned), and Freddie Garcia seems to have the Cubs' number. In eight innings of work on Saturday, he allowed eight hits and no runs. In four inter-league meetings, he is 4-0 against the Cubs with an ERA well under 1.00. Jose Contreras looked sharp in his first start since coming off the DL. Even though he did not get a decision, his effectiveness bodes well for the team.
Today's victory by the Cubs was a gift. If it wasn't for a missed double play by the Sox -- a play they normally make 99.9 percent of the time -- the Sox would have escaped the eighth inning with their 4-2 lead still in tact. Instead, the Sox could only get one out, and that allowed the Cubs to score four runs to take the lead 6-4. The Cubs added another run in the top of the ninth, and won the game 7-4.
But the highlight of the series will forever be the bench-clearing brawl in the second inning of Saturday's game after Sox catcher A.J. Pierzinski collided with Michael Barrett at the plate. Pierzinski slapped his hand on home plate to score the Sox first run of the game, then got up to retrieve his helmet. He ran into Barrett, the two exchanged words, and Barrett punched him in the face. Scott Podsednik, who was about to bat next, tackled Barrett to the ground to keep him away from Pierzinski. Both benches cleared. Brian Anderson mixed it up with John Mabry, who suffered bruised ribs. Four players were ejected -- Pierzinski, Barrett, Anderson and Mabry.
In all my years of watching these two teams during inter-league play, I've never seen a brawl. They's usually reserved for the fans in the stands. But leave it to A.J. to mix things up and get under the Cubs' skin -- Barrett on Saturday and Carlos Zambrano today.
Round two of the season series will be at Wrigley Field starting June 30th.
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