Sox Salvage Win Against Cubs 10-6

Some firsts took place in this game today.  It was Nick Masset's first Major League start, his first win as a starter, and the first time the Chicago White Sox scored at least 10 runs in a single game in 2007.  It was, however, not the first time AJ Pierzynski has made his presence known in stinging fashion against the Cubs.  The big 7-run seventh inning could be capped by none other than Cub agitator AJ Pierzynski, and came against former Sox reliever Neal Cotts.  Since AJ caught him plenty of times in the past, I wasn't entirely surprised he saw the ball well off him, even though it was a lefty-lefty matchup that would definitely not usually favor AJ.

When I saw AJ crush the ball into the right field stands, I could hardly believe it, but in a way it made sense.  I was amused with the reactions of one fan on TV after the home run.  No doubt a Cub fan, he shook his head with a befuddled look on his face as if to say, "You gotta be kidding me!"  It is always amazing to me how many weird and unthinkable things happen in these Sox/Cubs series.  It is like playoff baseball - it seems anything that you never thought would happen does.  That's what makes the game so amazing. 

I also find it uncanny how relievers who were traded in the offseason, namely Aardsma and Cotts have struggled mightily when facing their former teams.  Cotts got lit up, as did Aardsma for the second straight day.  I'm glad it turned out in the White Sox' favor, but it is pretty strange how much Aardsma, who has been very solid for the Sox struggled so badly over the past couple games against the Cubs.   

Still, the White Sox have to look to the American League again as they take on the A's tomorrow night at home.  It never seems to get easier..

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