Yesterday, Buehrle Was Perfect!

By WIK
Updated: July 24, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Mark Buehrle led the White Sox to victory in grand fashion today, by tossing a perfect game, and his second career no-hitter. His first came on April 18th, 2007, also at U.S. Comiscular Field. This is only the 18th perfect game in MLB history, Randy Johnson being the last to do so in 2004. The magnificent performance improved Buehrle’s record to 11-3 and lowered his ERA to 3.28 on the year, and he could be on his way to his best season yet.

Buehrle certainly has been the anchor of the staff since 2001, giving as consistent of innings and quality pitching as anyone in MLB over that stretch. His workhorse mentality, leadership and infectious style make him a huge asset to the ball club because he not only is a quality starter but he also gudies young pitchers like Gavin Floyd, Clayton Richard and John Danks, and is able to teach them that it pitching isn’t always about velocity. That is the definition of invaluable.

: Image by Getty Images via Daylife

The easy 5-0 victory for the White Sox could not have come at a better time either. The White Sox managed to take 3 out of 4 games from a difficult Rays squad, only narrowly missing a sweep on a Bobby Jenks blown save (We forgive you Bobby! Don’t yell at me Ozzie!). They also have pulled to a tie for first in the division with a Tigers loss to the Mariners this afternoon. This should give a big boost to the Sox that have a two series worth of intense division games lined up for the next six days.

The setup is perfect going into a weekend series at Detroit, as a winner of that 4 game series will seize the AL Central Division lead. That series is followed up by a visit to the Rollerdome to face the pesky Twins, who loom large in the rear-view mirror as well. If that weren’t enough, a four game home series against the streaking Yankees solidifies the stretch of 11 games as murderous. As you can see, extra confidence certainly is welcome.

And to DeWayne Wise: Your beer this evening (written after yesterday’s game) will be paid in full by Mr.. Buehrle for pulling back a home run ball from Gabe Kapler in the 9th to preserve the victory. Remarkable catch, but even more remarkable of a performance from Mr. Consistency.

Editor’s Note: But don’t just take our word for it, good friend of Baseball Reflections.com (and our former White Sox writer) The Zoner was at the game! Check out his reaction HERE!