Mark Buehrle Returns with a Vengence

The Cubs continue to fall, while the Sox continue to rise.

Last night, after a first inning home run by Mark DeRosa, the Cubs played catch-up. Carlos Zambrano had another off-night allowing four runs in the Braves half of the first. The north-siders chipped away until they took a 6-5 lead in the top of the seventh.

Then last year’s bullpen star, Scott Eyre, stepped in and allowed three to drop the game into Atlanta’s pocket. Eyre is still struggling in the early going, as is Zambrano.

The offense did their job, scoring six last night. They were hitting as a team as there were no exceptional individual efforts, but almost everyone participated at one time or another. If we can get the offense and pitching working on the same day, we could have more games like the 12 to 4 win Monday and fewer losses like Wednesday.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, Mark Buehrle threw a no-hitter. If you remember, a couple weeks ago he took a ball off his arm and I suggested he may be on and off the disabled list, just like Mark Prior.

Instead, Buehrle faced twenty-seven Texas Rangers last night, walking only one, and provided a true major league highlight. Jermaine Dye and Jim Thome provided the power for a six nothing win.

My favorite moment was when Buehrle walked former Sox and Cub star Sammy Sosa and then picked him off first. That was more fun that Jermaine Dye’s grand slam.

If no one has figured out yet that Mark Buehrle is a stud, they are not paying attention. If Buehrle can throw the Sox into another World Series, he will be the most widely beloved Sox pitcher of all time. Wilbur Wood, step aside, Buehrle has taken his game to another level. Great job!!