6/20/08 vs White Sox; W 4-3; (46-28)

Aramis Ramirez is a hero in Chicago today. Well, half of Chicago. He led off the ninth inning with a solo home run, his second in as many at bats, to defeat the White Sox 4-3. The comeback win preserved the home winning streak, now at twelve games, as well as the Windy City bragging rights.

On a day where the game was delayed by rain, and the wind was a paltry 5 mph, home runs were the order of the day. The Cubs scored first, but on ground out double play. The White Sox were the first to go deep. In the second Jermaine Dye hit a solo shot to tie the game. Then in the third, A.J. Pierzynski hit a two run shot to put the Sox in front.

It stayed that way until the seventh. Kenny Chesney must have brought some luck because WGN had their first back to back jacks winner in over ten years. Derek Lee went first and Aramis followed suit to tie the game.

Bob Howry had relieved Lilly in the seventh to get the final out. He pitched the eighth, inducing a double play after a lead off single. I didn't think we would see Carlos Marmol today, and Howry did a fine job.

Kerry Wood took the mound in the ninth. After a lead off double, he worked his way out of the inning. The biggest roar came when he struck out Pierzynski to end the inning. I am sure it was for the Cubs getting out of the inning, not because everyone hates A.J.

That led to Aramis' heroics. Go Cubs Go. Hey Chicago what do you say, the Cubs are going to win today.

Ted Lilly deserves mention. He pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight. Aside from the two home runs, he held the Sox scoreless. He put the Cubs in position to win, and with offensive support a little earlier, he would have earned it himself. Instead, Woody was the beneficiary and earned the W.

Speaking of offense, the Cubs put together ten hits, but didn't capitalize. Three double plays took the life out of three innings. Besides Ramirez, Fukudome, Theriot, and Matt Murton got two hits apiece. Murton has to be happy about a 2 for 3 performance after going 1 for his first five. Now they were both singles, but we'll take some consistency at this point.

Regardless of the analysis, I am still pleased to fly the W flag today. After the last road trip, I am taking any win I can get.