On this day in 2009, Mark Buehrle throws the 18th perfect game in MLB history, and the 16th no-hitter in White Sox history, in Chicago against the Tampa Bay Rays.
"Alexei?! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! History!"
A ground ball to shortstop Alexei Ramirez, who threw to first baseman Paul Konerko, signaled the final out to the second perfect game in Chicago White Sox history. Mark had previously thrown a no-hitter on April 18, 2007, also at U.S. Cellular Field, against the Texas Rangers. His only blemish in that game was a walk to Sammy Sosa, who was promptly picked off. Buehrle ended up facing the minimum twenty-seven batters in each of his no-hitters.
The perfect game was helped offensively in the second inning by a grand slam off the bat of Josh Fields, giving the ChiSox a 4-0 lead. Scott Podsednik and Alexei Ramirez had back to back doubles to lead off the fifth inning which added another run. While there was a share of great plays behind Mark that day, none had a greater impact than a play in the ninth inning. DeWayne Wise came in the game as a defensive replacement in center field, moving Scott Podsednik to left and Carlos Quentin to the dugout. The leadoff hitter, Gabe Kapler, hit a deep flyball to left center, which Wise tracked and caught, taking a home run away, bobbling the ball, but hung on to save Buehrle's perfect game.
Mark was drafted by the White Sox in the 38th round of the 1998 amateur draft and made his debut with the Sox in 2000. After twelve seasons with the White Sox, Buehrle followed manager Ozzie Guillen to Florida as part of the Miami Marlins. Mark went to four All-Star games, won three Gold Gloves and won a World Championship during his time with the Pale Hose.
2 comments:
The Hawk's mastery lies in his simplicity. YES!
It is definitely uniquely Hawk.
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