Morning Box Score: Sox End Skid, Cubs Lose Wild One
By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 19, 2011 1:00PM
The Cubs had an opportunity to sweep the Astros at Wrigley Field but a couple of umpire calls sank their chances. A two-run home run by Carlos Pena that hit the mesh basket rounding the outfield and bounced back into the field in the eighth inning was overturned after a challenge by Houston manager Brad Mills. Cubs manager Mike Quade didn't disagree with that but argued that Starlin Castro could have scored on the play. Wrigley Field ground rules state a ball that bounces off the basket back onto the field is in play. Quade lost his argument with third-base umpire Marty Foster and was ejected from the game. Aramis Ramirez and Brian LaHair drove in the Cubs runs while Castro, with a 1-for-3 day at the plate, has reached base in 31 straight games.
The White Sox snapped a seven-game skid and finally beat Royals starter Bruce Chen, who has thoroughly confused the Sox all season. Chen was only able to last 5-1/3 innings against the Sox lineup yesterday thanks to run-scoring doubles from Brent Morel and Adam Dunn (!!!) and a Gordon Beckham sacrifice fly. The Sox then teed off on the Royals bullpen. Paul Konerko jacked his 30th home run of the season in the seventh inning and AJ Pierzynski followed Paulie with a three-run shot. the White Sox now have ten games to finish above .500 and, at 74-78, need to go on an 8-2 run to do so.