First, it was Jake Peavy turning down the White Sox. Now, it's the Astro's Roy Oswalt. Speculation swirled over the weekend that the veteran ace may be on his way to the Sox, but he also turned the team down.
Another Pitcher Turns Down Sox
Marathon Men
The Astros jumped out to a 4-0 lead on Jon Garland before the White Sox finally figured out Roy Oswalt in the 5th inning. Joe Crede lead off with a home run and by the time the inning ended, the Sox sent 11 guys to the plate and took a 5-4 lead. The score remained that way until Jason Lane doubled off Dustin Hermanson in the 8th to tie the game 5-5. The score remained tied at 5 for 6 innings, despite both teams having a number of opportunities to score. Astros left countless men on base -- it seemed like every inning they had two on with zero or one out. But the bullpen held them inning after inning. Finally, "scrub" Geoff Blum hit a home run to right field to break the tie. A couple of infield hits and a couple of walks added another run. Damaso Matre started the 14th for the Sox, and when two runners reached base Ozzie Guillen brought in Mark Buehrle to record the final out and seal the victory for the White Sox.
Can't Rain on Our Parade
That positive premonition was right, as the White Sox won both games at the Cell this weekend! They took Game 1 5-3 Saturday night and won 7-6 in Game 2 Sunday night to take a 2-0 lead in the World Series at they now head down to Houston.
First Time Since 1959
While the White Sox dismissed the Red Sox and Angels in pretty short order, this series promises to be a much more tightly contested affair. With both teams sporting incredible pitching rotations, the series should be one low-scoring pitchers' dual after another. The Astros look tough with their rotation that includes Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Roy Oswalt. But the White Sox foursome of Jose Contreras, Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland and Freddy Garcia look like they're ready to go toe-to-toe.
Sox Finally Have an Opponent
The Houston Astros beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 last night behind the strong pitching of NLCS MVP Roy Oswalt to capture the NL Pennant, the first trip to the World Series in the franchise's 40+ year history. That means it's a White Sox-Astros World Series -- too bad there's no Houstonist to place a wager with! UPDATE: Looks like Austinist is pulling for the 'Stros. Maybe we will have to make a little wager with them!
Sox Fans "Vote for Scott"
Chicagoist asked you to do our city proud by voting early and often for MLB's Final Vote to select the last players on the All Star game rosters, and you didn't disappoint!

