KONERKO BANGS OUT 3, DRIVES IN 7 IN SOX WIN
By JERRY RILES
A solo shot, a 2-run jack, and a grand salami.
It was Paul Konerko night at the Cell on Tuesday as the White Sox first baseman drove in seven runs to help lead the Southsiders to a 10-6 victory over the visiting Cleveland Indians. His first career three homer game.
P.K. simply single-handedly KO-ed the Tribe with the hot bat after the Sox trailed early in the contest.
Bing-bang-boom, or Badda-bing-badda-bang. Whatever the case, Paulie connected not once, not twice, but three times. What a way to begin closing out the first half of the season.
Konerko in his post game comments on Comcast Sports said if the Sox continue to hit this way or better the rest of the season they can win it. At this rate I think they can win it all if the Pinstripe Pounders can continue to drive the white rat deep.
Is Paulie right? Can the Sox clinch the division and go for another World Series title? Is GM Ken Williams done wheeling and dealing? Who should join Buehrle in the classic?
Earlier Tuesday the Sox dealt a minor leaguer to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tony Pena. Pena is expected to bolster the bullpen and help in setting the stage for closer Bobby Jenks. And that's perfectly fine with manager Ozzie Guillen.
Konerko said he felt good and made good decisions during his at bats. It's unfortunate, that the veteran is not going to the All-Star game after this performance. Winning pitcher Mark Beuhrle is the only Sox representative playing in the Mid-season Classic.
Right-fielder Jermaine Dye didn't even make it and his bat has been scorching.
One of the last Sox sluggers to jack out three homers in a game was first base coach Harold Baines back in 1982 against the Detroit Tigers. Baines collected six-RBIs on the day.
Jose Valentin did it back in July of 2003.
Don't look now Sox fans, but I think this is only the beginning. If you think there were fireworks after this incredible night for Konerko, you may want to just wait and see what happens in the second half. Let's Go Sox!
Oh, by the way, Buehrle improved to 9-2 thanks to his buddy Paulie. Now that's what you call a team.
(Jerry Riles is a weekly 5on5 contributor featured every Tuesday in the RedEye)
Comments (1)
I live out in Iowa and people here believe in the Cubs & Cardinals. Its a shame they dont know about the winners on the South Side of Chicago
Posted by darryl from Iowa | July 8, 2009 2:19 PM
Posted on July 8, 2009 14:19