When the White Sox were struggling in April and May, most of the fingers were pointed at the bullpen and the defense. One player who took a lot of heat from fans and local media was Juan Pierre. Many so called experts have been pleading for Dayan Viciedo to be called up and that Pierre be benched. Well the Sox left fielder has ignored the criticism and has now drove in the game winning run the last three games.
Philip Humber did it again for the Sox (42-42) on Saturday. In what’s starting to become a broken record, Humber once again came through with seven scoreless innings to improve his record to 8-4 on the season.
Humber didn’t have the real good stuff that he’s had most of the season, but relied on his defense to turn three double plays to help get him out of trouble. Matt Thornton pitched a perfect eighth and ninth to earn his third save of the season.
Matt Garza was the tough luck loser for the Cubs (34-50) on Saturday. Garza went the full nine innings and gave up just one run on four hits. All four hits the Cubs righty gave up were singles. Garza is now 4-7 on the season.
The White Sox have clinched the Crosstown Classic and will go for the weekend sweep Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field.