The Chicago White Sox are halfway towards winning their first World Series since 1917. Scott Podsednik hit a dramatic home run in the ninth inning off of Astros closer Brad Lidge to help the White Sox edge the Astros 7-6. Chicago now leads the best-of-seven series 2-0.
Paul Konerko gave the White Sox a 6-4 lead when he hit a grand slam in the seventh inning off of reliever Chad Qualls but the lead was not safe.
In the top of the ninth, pinch-hitter Jose Vizcaino hit an opposite-field single with two outs that drove home two runs and tied the game at 6-6. White Sox closer Bobby Jenks was the victim of Vizcaino's heroics and the game seemed destined for extra innings.
In the bottom of the ninth, however, Podsednik became the hero of game 2. 'Incredible. What a ballgame,' Podsednik said. 'I was sitting on a fastball the entire at-bat.'
Ironically, Podsednik didn't hit a home run during the entire regular season in 507 at-bats. This was his second home run of the post-season as he hit one in the ALDS against Boston.
Astros manager Phil Garner was frustrated but vowed his team would be back. 'Well, we're not in a good spot,' Garner admitted. 'We had a chance to win this ballgame. We have to go home and regroup. We'll make a series out of this.'
Houston starter Andy Pettitte pitched six strong innings and left the game with a 4-2 lead. Lance Berkman had 3 RBIs in a losing cause for the Astros.
The weather was not very conducive to baseball. It was 45 degrees in Chicago when the first pitch was thrown and the game was delayed by rain. By the end of the day, that hardly mattered to the White Sox.
The next three games will be played at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Eighteen-game winner Jon Garland will start for the White Sox while the Astros counter with Roy Oswalt. The game now becomes a must-win for Houston who must take at least two-of-three at home to send the series back to Chicago for game six.
