Sox 1 Twins 2

Sox lost another close one early this afternoon. It was Freddy Garcia for the Sox and Scott Baker for the Twins. Garcia had a surprisingly good start, after a rough spring in which he had many people doubting his readiness for the 2010 season. Garcia pitched 7 strong innings in which he only gave up two runs, on a two run homer by Jason Kubel to right center field. Baker pitched a gem against the Sox, the Sox could not muster enough firepower to score runs. He also pitched 7 solid innings allowing only 5 hits and striking out 3. His only blemish was a Mark Teahen RBI double to right center, his first hit as a member of the Sox. Baker has been successful in the past against the Sox, and has been a decent starter during his Major League career. He is a high ball pitcher, who induces a lot of fly balls. He had 10 fly ball outs this afternoon, and the Sox hitters just could not get under them. This resulted in a 1 run display by the Sox and only 6 hits. John Rauch closed out the game with his league leading fourth save in 6 games. He has succeeded in his calling, and has stepped up to the closer role because of Joe Nathan's injury. The White Sox yet again had trouble producing runs, and capitalizing when they had runners in scoring position. There is no offense being produced to compliment the above average pitching by our starters. Also the bullpen pitched well today, especially Scott Linebrink. I don't think you will hear me saying this a lot during the course of the season but Linebrink was clutch today for the Sox. He was brought in and had to deal with a bases loaded jam, and got out of it. If Linebrink can be a arm we can rely on this season, then that can only spell success because the offense will eventually pick up. Otherwise we wil lose the remaining 158 games of the season. Tomorrow's probables, for the Sox: Buehrle (1-0, 0.00) and for the Twins: Blackburn (1-0, 4.05). Go Sox!