Why the White Sox Won the World Series

While it is true the White Sox had great defense, spectacular pitching, and the capability to score runs in a multitude of ways, none of these reasons are why they won the World Series. They won it behind the power of former Mariners. Don’t believe me? Let’s go through the series, game by game.

Game 1

Early on, offense ruled with at least one run scored in each of the first four innings. However, pitching took over in the fifth and no runs were scored in the next three innings. Then, in the bottom of the eighth with the White Sox leading by a paltry run, ex-Mariner Scott Podsednik stepped to the plate with two outs and a runner on. He worked the count full and then tripled, scoring the runner obviously, and giving the White Sox a much comfier two run lead. Final Score: White Sox 5, Astros 3

Game 2

This game was characterized by three dramatic momentum shifts. The first came in the seventh inning, when Paul Konerko hit a grand slam with two outs that turned a White Sox two run deficit into a two run lead. Then, with the Astros down to their final out in the ninth, pinch-hitter Jose Vizcaino delivered an incredibly clutch two-RBI single to tie the game. However, it was ex-Mariner Scott Podsednik who delivered the final blow with a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth. Ironically, Podsednik had no home runs in the regular season. Final Score: White Sox 7, Astros 6

Game 3

In the first two games, it was the offense of ex-Mariner Scott Podsednik that lead the White Sox to victory. In game three, it was time for ex-Mariner Damaso Marte to shine. With the White Sox and Astros still tied at five apiece in the 13th inning, Marte came in and held the Astros to no runs. In the 14th, the White Sox scored two runs and went on to win the game. Damaso Marte picked up the win. Final Score: White Sox 7, Astros 5

Game 4

After three relatively high scoring affairs, game four proved to be a classic pitchers’ duel. Former Mariner Freddy Garcia started the game for Chicago and pitched seven scoreless innings. In the eighth, the White Sox squeezed out one run and that proved to be enough. Freddy Garcia picked up the win. Final Score: White Sox 1, Astros 0

Jermaine Dye was named World Series MVP, but the award undoubtedly should have gone to Scott Podsednik, Damaso Marte, and Freddy Garcia, the trio of former Mariners. Actually, I’m going to add Chicago’s reserve catcher Chris Widger and make it a former Mariner quartet. He forced in the final run in game three by drawing a walk with the bases loaded. Go former Mariners!