2003 WHITE SOX SCORES & WRITE-UPS

Boston White Sox scores and stories are written-up after each game and found here.

POST SEASON

September 21, 2003 - Sox storybook season comes to an abrupt end

Atlantic Conference Finals - Game #2
Royals 3, White Sox 2 -- Royals win series 2-0

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	2	5	2
Royals	0	0	0	0	0	3	-	3	6	1

Up 1-0 going into the bottom of the 6th inning, the Royals staged a dramatic come-from-behind victory to beat the White Sox and end their season. Instead, the Royals will advance to the MABL Finals.

The Royals 6th inning was led off by a Scott Reinhold single. After an infield pop-out, consecutive errors brought the score even at 1-1 with 2 runners in scoring position. After an infield groundout, Felix Villalobos stroked a full-count, 2-out, 2-RBI single to give to Royals a 3-1 lead.

In the top of the 7th inning, after 2 quick outs, the White Sox almost came back. Mike Lembo singled and Dan Field walked to set the stage for Al Wiesner, who quickly delivered with his 3rd single of the day -- and brought the score to 3-2. However, with men on 1st and 3rd, the Sox did no more damage, as the game and season's final out was recorded on a flyout to center. Congratulations to the Sox on a fine season, and an exciting playoff run!

Eamonn McDonough throwing strong.

Nate Pane delivers 3rd inning hit.

September 20, 2003 - Royals take 1-0 lead in Atlantic Conference Finals

Atlantic Conference Finals - Game #1
Royals 6, White Sox 1 -- Royals lead series 1-0

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Royals	2	0	0	0	0	0	4	6	7	3
White Sox	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	3

The Royals jumped out to a 1st inning lead when Scott Reinhold led off the game with a HBP, followed by a Greg Kosc single. Reinhold later scored on a Jason Lewis sac fly, and Kosc scored on a single by Tom Spoth. As it turns out, that is all the support Royals pitcher Jason Kurtz would need to win the game. Kurtz pitched a complete game 3 hitter, with the only White Sox run scoring when Al Wiesner hit a bomb that bounced off the top of the fence at Billings Field for a triple. He later scored via error. The Royals tacked on 4 insurance runs in the 7th inning off 3 hits, a walk and 2 Sox errors -- capped by a Tom Spoth double (his 2nd double of the day).

Offensively, the Sox had their chances, as in five innings, runners were stranded in scoring position. Besides Wiesner, Nate Pane roped a triple and Roger Malouf singled for the Sox other hits. Brian Houlding pitched well in defeat allowing only 2 hits after the 1st inning. John Howe pitched the final 2 outs of the game to end the bleeding.

The White Sox also lost Game 1 of the Atlantic Conference Semifinals versus the Marlins 6-1 before winning the next two game to win the series. Game 2 of this three game series will be played Sunday morning.

Roger Malouf stranded from 3rd base.

Brian Houlding starting Game 1.

September 17, 2003 - Sox sink the Fish to advance to Atlantic Conference Finals

Atlantic Conference Semifinals - Game #3
White Sox 1, Marlins 0 -- Sox win series 2-1

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	R	H	E
Marlins	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	2
White Sox	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	4	2

In dramatic extra frames, the White Sox scored first to defeat the Marlins 1-0 in walk-off style in the deciding Game 3 of the Atlantic Conference Semifinals. Al Wiesner of the White Sox was masterful, pitching 8 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits, 2 walks and striking out 8. For the Marlins, Neil Doherty was almost as masterful, shutting out the White Sox for 7 innings, allowing only 3 hits, 2 walks and striking out 4.

In the bottom of the 8th, all with no outs, Jim Baldyga reached on a misperceived fly ball to left. Dan Field then walked. Hiro then entered for the Marlins (his 3rd outing in 3 games), relieving Doherty, and walked John Howe to load the bases. Nate Pane then delivered a clean single to drive in Baldyga to lead the Sox to victory and send them to the Atlantic Conference Finals versus the Royals.

Also on the game, Luke Foskett roped a triple, plus made a web-gem diving catch in centerfield. Mike Lembo also contibuted half of the Sox hits with a pair of singles.

Jim Baldyga greeted at home.

Nate Pane delivers GWRBI

Al Wiesner tosses 8 inning shutout

September 14, 2003 - Sox heroes shine -- force a Game 3

Atlantic Conference Semifinals - Game #2
White Sox 5, Marlins 4 -- Series tied, 1-1

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	2	0	0	0	3	0	0	5	6	3
Marlins	0	0	1	0	2	0	1	4	8	0

The White Sox evened the Atlantic Semi's at 1-1 with a victorious battle over the Fish. The Sox struck right away when Mike McInnis and Al Wiesner walked to start off the game and scored on a wild pitch and a Joe Lombardi sac fly. The M's brought it back to 2-1 when Tim Sheflin singled and scored. But when 5 straight Sox reached in the 5th, highlighted by singles by McInnis, Wiesner and Lombardi again, it proved enough.

With the score 5-3 in the bottom of the 7th, the Marlins battled to score 1 run on an error. Then after another error and a single, with the tying and winning run on base and 2 outs, Eamonn McDonough finished what he started and forced a flyout to Joe Lombardi to end the game and pick up his first playoff win.

Noteworthy: Dating back to the regular season, Mike McInnis has reached in 15 of 16 PA's (6 for 7 with 9 walks). Also dating back to the regular season, the Sox improved to 20-1 when scoring 2 or more runs. Jim Baldyga also became the first White Sox this season to break a car windshield on a foul ball.

Mike McInnis scores game's first run.

Al Wiesner scores run #2.

Dan Field swipes third.

September 12, 2003 - Sox down 0-1 to Marlins in Atlantic Semi-Finals

Atlantic Conference Semifinals - Game #1
Marlins 6, White Sox 1 -- Marlins lead series, 1-0

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Marlins	0	0	3	0	2	1	0	6	6	1
White Sox	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	5

McInnis and Baldyga can only watch.

In the Atlantic Conference Semi-Finals, the White Sox gave the Marlins a 1-0 lead in the best of 3 series. The White Sox struck first in the 1st inning. Luke Foskett singled, stole 2nd and 3rd base, and scored on a Joe Lombardi single. But that was all the Sox could muster. The Marlins then scored 6 unanswered runs, 5 unearned off Sox errors, to take the lead for good. On the positive side, Dan Field picked up right where he left off in the regular season, hosing two would-be base-stealers. Brian Houlding picked up the tough-luck loss, allowing 3 unearned runs in 3.1 innings before making way to Al Wiesner and Mike Lembo who pitched the remaining innings effectively. The White Sox must win Game 2 of the series on Sunday to force a Game 3 next Wednesday. Eamonn McDonough will be on the mound for the White Sox.

REGULAR SEASON

September 6, 2003 - Sox shutout to end regular season, but hold onto 1st place -- for now

Rockies 1, White Sox 0 - record 19-7

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Rockies	0	0	1	0	0	0	-	1	4	1

The Rockies shutout the White Sox to end the regular season. The loss skidded the team's winning streak at 7 games, but allowed the team to finish at a franchise best 19-7 record. The Sox were also 19-1 this season when scoring 2 or more runs.

For the Sox, Mike Lembo was superb on the mound in his first start of the season. He allowed only 4 hits, though one was a homerun by Kyle Philson, the game's only run. Lembo did not require a slick-fielding infield. Of the game's 18 outs, 4 were via K, 9 were infield pop-outs, and 3 flyouts. In fact, the only 2 groundouts came on a sac bunt fielded by Lembo, and a grounder to first where Lembo grabbed the putout. For the Rockies, Chris Clark was also superb on the mound, as he stumped the Sox allowing only 1 hit -- a single by Matt Giblin in the 2nd inning.

The White Sox will win the Atlantic Conference with a loss by the Yankees versus the Rockies on Sunday. A Yankee win will give the White Sox the #2 seed.

Mike Lembo in season pitching debut.

Matt Giblin notches Sox only hit.

September 2, 2003 - Sox hold onto 1st Place -- reduce Magic Number to 1

White Sox 4, Athletics 1 - record 19-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	1	1	2	0	0	4	4	2
Athletics	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	2	2

With their 7th straight win, a victory over the A's, the White Sox were able to remain in 1st Place in the Atlantic Conference and reduce their Magic Number to 1. (Sox need just a win or a Yankees loss in any remaining game to clinch 1st place.) The win is the 12th in the last 13 games, and marks the 2nd time the Sox have won 7 straight this season. The last loss was July 30th versus the Giants.

Eamonn McDonough pitched a gem, allowing only 2 hits in a complete game win, with the only run coming when Pedro Gil reached via error and later scored on a Santi Mazzeo single. McDonough allowed 3 walks and struck out 7, upping his season total to 83, a White Sox single-season record. He improved to 5-4 and reduced his ERA to 0.89.

The Sox collected only 4 hits, but 3 were for extra bases, including an RBI double by Eamonn McDonough, a double by John Howe and a triple by Al Wiesner. The other hit was a single from Nate Pane. Nate was again brilliant on the bases. In this game, he stole 2nd and 3rd base and then scored when he broke for home on a dropped 3rd strike thrown down to first. Luke Foskett also packed-in a couple of RBI's with a sacrifice fly and a bases-loaded walk.

Lembo tackles McDonough after 2-hitter.

The Atlantic Conference Race... White Sox: 19-6 remaining games: Rockies - 9/6 Yankees: 18-6 remaining games: Marlins - 9/3 Rockies - 9/7

August 28, 2003 - Sox grab 1st place from Yankees with win over Marlins -- 2 games to go!

White Sox 11, Marlins 9 - record 18-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	2	0	2	0	7	0	0	11	7	5
Marlins	4	0	2	0	1	0	2	9	6	2

In defeating the Marlins, the White Sox put themselves into 1st Place in the Atlantic Conference. While the Sox and Yankees both hold an 18-6 record, the Sox are 2-0 versus the Yanks, giving them the tiebreaker. The Sox have also won 10 of their last 11 games.

The game was the ugliest played of the season, but somebody had to win. The Sox drew 10 walks to go with 7 hits, and stole 12 bases, led by Al Wiesner with 5. Additionally, 2 runs scored on wild pitches, 2 runs scored on passed balls, and one run scored on a throwing error by the pitcher. Great base running put the runners in position to score.

Going into the 5th inning, the Marlins held a 6-4 lead before the Sox exploded for 7 runs in the inning behind hits from John Howe (1 for 2), Hugh Guilderson (3 for 3), Roger Malouf (1 for 4) and 4 walks. The Fish eventually brought the score back to 11-9, but that was all they would muster.

Brian Houlding started the game, but withdrew in the 3rd inning to save himself for playoff action. This allowed Nate Pane (1-0, 0.00 ERA) to toss 4.2 innings of 2-hit relief to pick up his first MABL win.

Nate Pane lands Sox in 1st with first MABL win.

The Atlantic Conference Race... White Sox: 18-6 remaining games: Athletics - 9/2 Rockies - 9/6 Yankees: 18-6 remaining games: Marlins - 9/3 Rockies - 9/7

August 27, 2003 - Sox clinch at least 2nd place with win over Braves

White Sox 7, Braves 1 - record 17-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Braves	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	3
White Sox	0	2	2	0	1	2	-	7	8	2

The White Sox won their 9th game in their last 10, and in doing so clinched at least second place in the Atlantic Conference. The Sox currently hold the second best record in the entire MABL at 17-6, but still stand behind the champion Yankees who are 18-6. As long as the Sox win their last three games, the Sox will take first place, regardless of the fate of the Yanks.

In this game, the strong arm of Al Wiesner led the way. Wiesner improved to 4-0, tossing a complete game while allowing only 5 hits and 2 walks with 9 K's.

The Braves took an early 1-0 lead when Chris Allen singled in the 2nd inning and later scored. But the Sox battled back, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the frame. It began when Wiesner walked, stole two bases, and then scored on an error. Then Luke Foskett singled, stole and scored on a wild pitch. The 5 additional runs scored throughout the game would just prove to be insurance.

Of note for the White Sox, Luke Foskett and Mike McInnis each had a pair of hits, while Hugh Guilderson roped a 2-RBI double to drive in Jason Ackerson and McInnis who had each singled. And of course, Dan Field threw out the only Braves runner who attempted to steal on him.

Al Wiesner scores first Sox run.

Luke Foskett puts Sox ahead for good.

August 24, 2003 - Sox walk off with Royal treatment

White Sox 5, Royals 4 - record 16-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	R	H	E
Royals	0	1	1	0	0	2	0	0	4	10	4
White Sox	2	0	0	1	1	0	0	1	5	7	2

In dramatic fashion, the White Sox walked off with the win in the bottom of the 8th inning -- the second time the Sox have walked off with a win in extra innings in three games. Additionally, the win improved the Sox to 16-6, and 8-1 over their last 9 games.

With the game tied 4-4 and one out in the bottom of the 8th, John Howe ripped a clutch single. After Dan Field was hit by a pitch and Al Wiesner walked, the bases were loaded for Luke Foskett. With the Royals infield in, Foskett hit a rope to Matt Marenghi at 3rd base who fielded the ball and threw home, just enough off the mark for Howe to score the winning run.

But the greatest star of the game might have been Nate Pane. His first act of stardom was when he scored the 4th Sox run. After reaching on an error, he stole 2nd and 3rd base, and scored on an errant throw. What run production! But even more impressive was his defense in the top of the 8th inning. While playing third base, a laser was hit to Nate's left. After a diving play, he threw to first from his knees and tossed a 1-hop perfectly scooped by Hugh Guilderson at first base. What defense!

Eamonn McDonough tossed 6 strong innings for a no decision, allowing a season-high 9 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) with 5 K's and 1 walk. He also managed to keep his ERA under a point at 0.99. Brian Houlding (6-1, 1.86 ERA) notched the win with 2 innings of scoreless relief.

John Howe reaches on 8th inning hit...

...and Howe scores winning run!

August 21, 2003 - Sox tied with Marlins 1-1 when lights go out. The White Sox jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. It began when Al Wiesner was hit by a pitch, stole second and third base, and scored on an errant throw. But the Marlins quickly tied the score 1-1 in the bottom of the frame When Chris Ryan singled, advanced to third after a wild pitch and a balk, and scored on a Adam Etherington single. But then the lights went out when a transformer blew. The game will need to be replayed in entirety.

It is too bad, as it was to be Mike Lembo Day. Reminiscent of Bill Veeck, in this stunt, Lembo was to be honored for his duties securing his hometown Norwood field. The stunt was that Lembo was to become the first Boston MABL player ever to play all 9 positions in a 7 inning game. He had already played shortstop and thirdbase when it went dark. Rumor has it that Lembo was afraid of having to make his MABL catching debut in the 6th inning and ordered the lights to falter.

August 15, 2003 - Sox complete season sweep of Yankees

White Sox 4, Yankees 2 - record 15-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	1	2	0	1	0	4	8	3
Yankees	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	4	1

Brian Houlding and the White Sox beat the Yankees for the 2nd time this season as the Sox set a franchise record for wins with 15. The White Sox have won 14 of their last 17 games, and for the 15th straight 7-inning game, no opponent has scored more than 3 runs. The Sox also ended the Yankees winning streak at 8 games.

The Sox struck first as Nate Pane roped a double off the right-center fence and advanced to third when Brett Rudy reached on a fielder's choice. Rudy stole second and an errant throw allowed Pane to score the first run.

The Sox scored two more runs to make the score 3-0 in the 4th inning when Al Wiesner and Luke Foskett led off the inning with consecutive singles and Mike Lembo walked to load the bases. With Hugh Guilderson up, a wild pitch allowed Foskett to score run #2. And then Jason Ackerson ripped a run scoring RBI-single. However, the Yankees proved a worthy opponent, when in the 5th inning after an AJ Bucciarelli walk, slugger Frank Kowalski brought the score to 3-2 when he launched a 2-run homerun over the right-center fence. But the Sox added an insurance run in the 6th inning when Al Wiesner singled, stole second, and scored on a Hugh Guilderson single. Of note: Luke Foskett should be congratulated for one of the best catches ever when he made a full parallel diving catch in center robbing Todd Steffenides of extra bases.

With the score 4-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning and 2 outs, Jeff McHugh and Frank Kowalski were were standing on 2nd and 3rd after walking and advancing on a passed ball -- the tying runs. Eamonn McDonough entered in relief to face former league MVP Jeff Coveney -- and he K'd him for the final out of the game. Houlding finished the day with the win improving to 5-1, allowing 4 hits and 6 walks with 8 K's over 6.2 innings. McDonough notched his 3rd save.

Brian Houlding foils Yankees, again.

Jason Ackerson preps for RBI single.

August 9, 2003 - Lembo helps Sox walk off with 14th win

White Sox 4, Indians 3 - record 14-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Indians	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	3	7	0
White Sox	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	9	5

Al Wiesner walks off as Sox win! Mike Lembo with 9th inning GWRBI.

Mike Lembo helped the Sox walk off with victory in 9 innings over the Indians, while the Sox also tied a 10-year franchise record for wins set in 2001 with 14 -- and there are still 6 games to go! Once again, Dan Field hit safely to lead off the game and scored. Mike McInnis hit safely behind Field and also scored, via help from an Al Wiesner walk and a Luke Foskett single. This made the score 2-0. In the 3rd inning, after Al Wiesner walked again and ultimately was standing on 3rd base, he stole home -- taking off with the pitcher in a windup. This made the score 3-0. Wiesner became the first Sox player to straight steal home since Brett Rudy did it in 1997. John Howe stole home earlier this season, but it was on the back-end of a double steal. By the end of the 5th inning, the Indians had tied the score 3-3 on some timely hitting. But the Indians would have taken the lead if not for Luke Foskett. On a single by Daryl Pina, Luke hosed Marco Abreu who was trying to score from 2nd base. This preserved the tie, as did a bases-loaded double-play in 6th inning, turned by McDonough to Field to Malouf. Earlier in the game, Mike McInnis also spun a DP 6-un-3 to preserve some runs. What defense! In the 8th inning, Brian Houlding entered the game, relieving Eamonn McDonough (3 IP, 0 ER) who had relieved starter John Howe (4 IP, 1 ER). Houlding retired all 6 batters he faced. And this set the stage for the heroics. Al Wiesner led off the inning with a single, followed by a Nate Pane single. After a double-steal, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, Mike Lembo stepped up. With 2 strikes on him, Lembo reached out and smacked a clean line drive into right-center for the game winning RBI as Wiesner came in to score!

August 6, 2003 - Al Wiesner tosses No Hitter!

White Sox 5, Athletics 0 - record 13-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Athletics	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
White Sox	1	0	0	0	0	4	-	5	6	0

Al Wiesner tosses & Dan Field catches No Hitter.

In a historic evening, Al Wiesner became the first player in the White Sox 10-year history to toss a no hitter. And in the same evening, with a career-high 13 K's, Wiesner also became the White Sox All-Time Strikeout King with 94, surpassing Darron Henn, the previous record holder at 88. Wiesner was one batter away from a perfect game, as A's Mike Bolio reached via walk in the 3rd inning. The only threat was a line-drive to left field by Andrew Billig that was hauled in by a diving catch by Brett Rudy in the second inning. Wiesner also knocked in the game-winning run with an RBI double in the first inning, plating Dan Field who tripled to lead off the game. Excitement also came in the 6th when the Sox scored 4 runs, keyed by a Nate Pane single, a John Howe RBI triple and a Mike Lembo 2-RBI single. Howe also scored on a suicide-squeeze by Mike McInnis that was called a balk. Rob Sherman pitched well for the A's, adding 12 K's to his league lead in the category. Speaking of irony: The shutout was Wiesner's 2nd in his career, the last coming versus the Mets in June of 2002. In that game, Wiesner also drove in the game-winning RBI with a 1st inning hit. Then, Wiesner tossed a 1-hitter, allowing only a single to the game's leadoff hitter.

August 1, 2003 - White Sox swim with the Marlins -- Game Canceled - Due to rain, the White Sox and Marlins game was canceled at Ryan Field. Six members of the White Sox enjoyed taking a soggy infield for 20 minutes before the skies really opened up.

McDonough prepares to sing in the rain. (Ackerson & Pane look on)

Rainy at Ryan.

July 30, 2003 - White Sox shutout for first time in 10 year history

Giants 3, White Sox 0 - record 12-6

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	1
Giants	0	0	3	0	0	0	-	3	4	0

Brian Houlding was involved in his 3rd shutout of the season tonight, but this time on the losing end of a 3-0 game to the Giants. Remarkably, this marked the first time the White Sox have ever been shutout during the regular season in their 10-year history.

The game was crisply played in just 1 hour and 25 minutes at Tivnan Field in Worcester. For the Giants, Dan Shanahan held the Sox to no runs on only 3 hits and no walks with 10 K's. Dan Field led off the game with a bloop single, while Jason Ackerson singled in the 2nd inning and Al Wiesner singled in the 7th inning,

All the game's scoring for the Giants occurred in the bottom of the 3rd inning. After a leadoff walk to Steve Coyle, Joe Albano and Steve Corda hit consecutive RBI-doubles. After Corda advanced to third on a wild pitch, he scored on a Jason Grenier sacrifice fly.

Houlding took the tough loss, though he pitched solid as well, allowing only 4 hits and 2 walks with 7 K's in his complete game. Even with this loss, Sox pitching has allowed 3 runs or less in 12 straight 7-inning games.

Brian Houlding Shutout Record: 2-1.

Giant Steve Coyle walks & scores winning run.

July 27, 2003 - White Sox bang out double-digit runs, again!

White Sox 10, Astros 2 - record 12-5

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Astros	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	2	3	4
White Sox	0	5	1	1	2	1	-	10	11	3

John Howe congratulated on win.

For the second game in a row, the White Sox scored double-digit runs, this time defeating the Astros for their 4th straight win. John Howe (3-1, 1.31 ERA) pitched a strong 6 innings for the Sox, allowing only 3 hits and 1 ER with 8 K's for the win. Two of those hits came in the 3rd inning when Dan Shumaker blasted a triple in the 3rd and was driven in by a Shu Susaki single. Aside from that and an unearned run in the 2nd inning from 2 errors, Howe was nearly flawless. Mike Lembo pitched a perfect 7th inning to wrap up the game. Offensively, the Sox were led by Brett Rudy (2 for 2, sac fly, 3 RBI) and Eamonn McDonough (2 for 2, 1 BB, 2 R) who each had perfect days at the plate. After today, McDonough is leading the team in batting at .389 while Rudy is a close second at .375. Also of note, Mike Lembo had a pair of hits with 2 RBI, while Jason Ackerson (double), Dan Field, Luke Foskett and Roger Malouf all hit safely. But the story of the day was the defense in the outfield. Joe Lombardi had 3 outfield putouts, all of which were running and diving plays in the game's final two innings. And Jason Ackerson made all 3 putouts in the 1st inning and finished with 4 on the day. Nice!

July 25, 2003 - White Sox whip out the whooping sticks.

White Sox 14, Dodgers 3 - record 11-5

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
Dodgers	0	2	0	0	0	1	3	5	7
White Sox	1	0	3	6	0	4	14	17	2

Matt Giblin collects 3 infield hits.

The White Sox exploded for 17 hits for their 3rd straight win as they defeated the Dodgers in 6 innings. The game was shortened due to lighting restrictions and called at the inning's conclusion. The Sox jumped out to a 1st inning lead when Dan Field led off the game with a single, stole 2nd and ultimately reached on a passed ball. But the Dodgers jumped right back to take a 2-1 lead when they picked up 4 hits sparked by a Jose (Fabian) Alicea triple. After the Sox took a 4-2 lead in the 3rd inning, the flood gates really opened in the 4th as the Sox batted-around. Jason Ackerson led off with a single -- 1 of 7 Sox to get a hit in the inning. And in the 6th inning, the first 7 batters reached base safely, topped by Joe Lombardi and Roger Malouf who each doubled. Overall, Matt Giblin, Joe Lombardi and Dan Field each had 3 hits to lead the attack. Giblin actually had 3 infield hits, which has got to be some sort of record. Luke Foskett, Jason Ackerson and Roger Malouf each had multiple hits. Eamonn McDonough (4-4, 0.77 ERA) pitched the complete game and racked up 8 K's for the win. The last time the White Sox had this many hits was 5/11/2001, when they collected 18 versus the Athletics in a 22-9 romp. The White Sox record is 20 hits, which occurred 7/18/1999 versus the Pirates in a 22-20 slugfest loss. In that game, 14 homeruns were hit -- yes 14. Big hitters were Jeff Zielinski (retired) who went 7 for 8, and Mike Moloney (currently with Yankees) who went 6 for 7. Before today, the White Sox had never recorded exactly 17 hits in a game.

July 19, 2003 - White Sox regain first place in Atlantic Conference

White Sox 4, Cubs 1 - record 10-5

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Cubs	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	1
White Sox	0	2	1	0	0	1	-	4	7	1

Behind a strong pitching performance from Al Wiesner, the White Sox regained 1st place in the Atlantic. Wiesner allowed 4 hits, 3 walks, 1 run and K'd 6 in a complete game victory. Both the Yankees and White Sox hold 10 wins, but the White Sox hold the tie-breaker having defeated the Yanks earlier in the season.

Offensively, the Sox were led by John Howe who went 3 for 3. In the 2nd inning, Howe drove in Hugh Guilderson (who singled) for the Sox' first run. And Howe scored the 2nd run when he stole home for the go-ahead run as part of a double-steal with Roger Malouf, who had singled. In the 3rd inning, Jim Baldyga was intentionally walked to load the bases for Brett Rudy with Dan Field & Mike McInnis on 2nd and 3rd base respectively. Rudy proceeded to drive in the 3rd Sox run on a sac fly. In the 6th inning, after singling again, John Howe scored the 4th run when Roger Malouf drove him in with his second single of the day.

Chris Seng scored the lone Cubs run after reaching via walk and scoring on a John Gillis single. Jot Splenda took the loss for the Cubs. Of note:

• The Sox stole 9 bases, up from 7 last game, led by Mike McInnis and John Howe -- 2 each.
• Dan Field threw out yet another would-be base-stealer. (de ja vu)
• Jim Baldyga was intentionally walked for the third Sox IBB in 2 games.
• After 4 hits in 2 games, John Howe is now leading the Sox in batting at .353.
• Matt Giblin smacked his first base hit.

Al Wiesner improves to 2-0.

John Howe goes 3 for 3.

July 17, 2003 - Houlding tosses 2nd shutout as Sox overcome no-hit bid.

White Sox 2, Braves 0 - record 9-5

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	2	2
Braves	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0

Brian Houlding tossed his 2nd shutout of the season as the White Sox defeated the Braves 2-0. Overall, he allowed just 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9. His last shutout was versus the Diamondbacks on June 6th. As Houlding improves to 3-0, it is noteworthy that all of those wins have been during night games where he has a combined ERA of 0.37. During day games, Houlding is 0-0 with a 3.29 ERA. I guess it's tough to hit what you can't see!

Chris Allen was almost as effective for the Braves, as he carried a no-hitter into 7th inning before Eamonn McDonough and John Howe spoiled it by reaching on consecutive base hits. Allen allowed 2 hits and 8 walks while striking out 11. It was 4 of those 8 walks from Allen in the 4th inning that made the game. Matt Giblin walked and scored on a Jim Baldyga fielder's choice. And Baldyga scored on a walk to Dan Field. And that was the game right there. Of note:

• The Sox stole 7 bases in the game: Eamonn McDonough-3, Matt Giblin-2, Al Wiesner-1, John Howe-1.
• Dan Field threw out yet another would-be base-stealer.
• Al Wiesner was intentionally walked twice in the game.

Brian Houlding shuts out Braves.

July 13, 2003 - Sox walk off with 2nd straight loss after bowing to Reds in 8 innings.

Reds 2, White Sox 1 - record 8-5

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	R	H	E
White Sox	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	1
Reds	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	7	0

For the 2nd straight game, the Sox lost, scored only 1 run, and had that run driven in by Joe Lombardi. This comes on the heels of the Sox winning 7 straight games. As a result, the Sox are sitting at 8-5, enough for 2nd place in the Atlantic Conference.

Al Wiesner led of the game with a triple and scored on a Joe Lombardi fielder's choice. The Sox were only able to muster 2 more hits the remainder of the game: a 4th inning single by Lombardi and a 6th inning single by Mike McInnis. The Reds immediately tied up the game 1-1 in the bottom of the frame -- and that is where the game stayed for 7 innings.

In the bottom of the eight inning, Joe Dunne hit a one out double. After a hit-by-pitch, Chris Chase then hit a shot off the BB&N school in right field to score Dunne easily for the walk-off Sox loss.

For the Reds, Conklin threw 8 innings giving up one earned off three hits for the win. He struck out twelve. McDonough gave up two runs, one earned, letting up seven hits, striking out six, for the loss.

Joe Lombardi drives in lone Sox run -- again.

June 28, 2003 - Sox 7-game win-streak snapped by Orioles.

Orioles 3, White Sox 1 - record 8-4

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Orioles	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	3	7	0
White Sox	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	4	0

The White Sox had their 7-game win streak snapped by the Orioles who won their 4th game in their last 6 outings. The White Sox had not lost in more than a month, since May 17th, versus the Cardinals.

The only White Sox run came in the 6th inning when Al Wiesner tripled and then was driven in by a Joe Lombardi single. Dan Field and Mike McInnis also contributed singles. The Sox stranded 6 runners in scoring position during the game. John Howe (2-1) took the loss for the Sox, allowing only 1 run in 4 innings. After a hard inning by Brian Houlding, Eamonn McDonough pitched the final 2 innings, retiring all 6 batters he faced.

For the Orioles, Chris Demers (3-0) was the standout. Not only did he toss a complete game 4-hitter with 6 K's for the win. But he also drove 2 of 3 Orioles runs with a 3rd inning RBI single and a 5th inning RBI double.

Joe Lombardi singles in lone Sox run.

Jason Ackerson can only watch.

June 21, 2003 - Le White Sox defated le Mets au Stade Olympique pour leur 7ème victoire consécutive.

White Sox 9, Mets 6 - record 8-3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	0	0	1	2	3	0	3	9	13	5
Mets	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	3	1	6	8	2

In Montreal, the White Sox defeated the Mets for their 7th straight win, retaining their first place position in the Atlantic Division. It took six different Sox pitchers to get the job done. Eamonn McDonough got the start and did not allow a run in 2 innings. Jim Lane, John Howe, Brian Houlding, Nate Pane and Al Wiesner also got work on the hill. Ultimately, John Howe (2-0) notched the win, tossing 2 innings of no-hit ball.

The Mets struck first in the 4th inning to take a 1-0 lead when Jason Joyce walked, stole his 100th career base, and scored on a Kit Kadlec ROE. But the White Sox quickly tied the score in the 5th inning when Luke Foskett reached, stole 2nd and scored on a Jim Baldyga RBI single. The score was tied at 1-1 going into the 6th inning. But the Sox scored 8 runs in the final 4 frames to walk away with their 2nd straight win in Montreal dating back to 2002.

Offensively, 10 different White Sox recorded hits, including Dan Field (3 for 4) and Brett Rudy (2 for 2). Mike McInnis also smashed a triple which was almost turned into an inside-the-park HR, but he was nailed at the plate. Run production was led by McInnis and Luke Foskett, each with a pair of RBI's. Behind the dish, Dan Field also nailed his fifth would-be base-stealer in 5 games. Also of note, Jim Baldyga not only was hit by a pitch for his 2nd straight year in Montreal, but he also picked up a stellar outfield assist while gunning out a Mets runner trying to stretch a single into a double.

For the White Sox, hits came from: Dan Field (3 singles) Brett Rudy (2 singles) Mike McInnis (triple) Al Wiesner (single) Luke Foskett (single) Hugh Guilderson (single) Jim Baldyga (single) Mike Lembo (single) Eamonn McDonough (single) Jon Banchick (single) See the game box score. See the game 2003 Montreal Photo Album.

2003 White Sox at Olympic Stadium.

June 18, 2003 - Sox win 6th straight with victory over Yankees.

White Sox 3, Yankees 1 - record 7-3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Yankees	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	3	1
White Sox	0	0	0	0	3	0	-	3	3	0

The White Sox won their 6th straight game to take the Atlantic Conference lead for 1st place. In 10 Sox games, opponents have scored 2 runs or less 8 times.

The Yankees scored their lone run to take a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Jeff McHugh walked, Jeff Coveney singled and Ned Coffee walked to load the bases. Then, in typical Mike Moloney fashion, he hit a deep shot to left field as a sacrifice fly to score McHugh.

The White Sox scored 3 runs to regain a 3-1 lead in the 5th inning when Dan Field and Al Wiesner walked followed by a Luke Foskett ROE. Joe Lombardi then walked to force in Dan Field to tie the score. Hugh Guilderson then hit a clutch 2-run RBI single scoring Wiesner and Foskett.

Brian Houlding picked up the Sox' win tossing 5 innings of 3-hit, 1-run ball. Eamonn McDonough closed the door for the save, tossing the final 2 innings in relief without allowing a hit.

Also for the Sox, Dan Field threw out his 4th consecutive would be base-stealer in 4 games.

Luke Foskett scores 3rd Sox run.

June 14, 2003 - Sox set 10-year franchise record with 5th straight win.

White Sox 7, Royals 1 - record 6-3

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	1	0	0	3	2	1	0	7	9	2
Royals	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	3

Sox win 5th straight setting a 10-year franchise record for consecutive wins. On the mound, Eamonn McDonough was outstanding, allowing 3 hits in a complete game victory -- a leadoff double to Matt Marenghi and two 6th inning singles to Greg Kosc and Mike Malin. McDonough improved to 3-3 with a 0.61 ERA and 51 K's.

Offensively, 7 different Sox players scored the Sox 7 runs. And of the Sox 9 hits, 2 came from newcomer Nate Pane in his MABL debut. Luke Foskett (single and double) and Joe Lombardi (two singles) also had multiple hits. Mike McInnis (triple) and Hugh Guilderson (double) delivered extra bases in the game. Mike Lembo also delivered a clutch RBI and picked up a hit on the day.

Defensively, behind the dish, Dan Field was outstanding for the Sox, throwing out both Royals runners who attempted to steal on him.

Dan Field leads off game with walk and scores.

Nate Pane collects 2 hits in MABL debut.

June 8, 2003 - Howe about that! Sox sweep Mariners, improve to 5-3 after 4th straight win.

White Sox 5, Mariners 2 (Game 1) - record 4-3
White Sox 3, Mariners 2 (Game 2) - record 5-3

Final (G1)	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Mariners	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	2	3	1
White Sox	0	3	0	0	0	2	-	5	5	0

Final (G2)	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	0	1	1	1	0	3	7	0
Mariners	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	7	1

Game 1: John Howe picked up the win for the White Sox in his MABL debut, allowing 3 hits and 1 run through 4 innings of work. After a rough 4th inning, Eamonn McDonough picked up the save, tossing the final 3 innings with 5 K's.

The White Sox had jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after a Luke Foskett single, a walk to Jim Baldyga and a 2-RBI double from Jason Ackerson. Going into the sixth inning, the Mariners had brought it back to as close as 3-2 through the help of 6 walks during a 2-inning stretch, but that was all the scoring the M's would do. The White Sox added some insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning through singles by Dan Field, Hugh Guilderson and a double by Luke Foskett.

Game 2: Al Wiesner notched the complete game for the win and collected the game winning RBI. Wiesner allowed 7 scattered hits with 9 K's, but did not allow a hit after the 4th inning.

The Mariners had jumped out to a 2-0 in the second inning, but the White Sox whittled away on the lead, scoring in the 4th inning off a Luke Foskett RBI single and 5th inning off Jason Ackerson's second double of the day to tie the score. And in the 6th inning, after Mike McInnis doubled, Al Wiesner singled to drive in the go-ahead run -- which proved to be enough. Brett Rudy also picked up two hit on the day.

John Howe wins Sox pitching debut.

Jason Ackerson: double trouble

June 6, 2003 - Houlding shuts out D'backs.

White Sox 4, D'backs 0 (record 3-3)

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
D'backs	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	2
White Sox	0	0	0	0	0	4	-	4	6	2

In a remarkable pitcher's dual, the White Sox' Brian Houlding outdualed the D'backs' Jeff Cain. Both carried 2-hitters deep into the game. But in the sixth inning, the Sox exploded for 4 runs off singles by Mike McInnis (2 for 3), Mike Lembo (1 for 3) and Eamonn McDonough (2 for 3) and a sacrifice fly by Luke Foskett. The 6th Sox hit was collected by Dan Field. Houlding picked up his first win shrinking his ERA to 1.67. His 10 K's was enough to put him into second place in the MABL at 32 -- right behind teammate Eamonn McDonough with 37.

The 2-hit shutout by Brian Houlding was the White Sox shutout versus the D'backs since August 5, 2001. Ironically, the White Sox also won that game 4-0. Scott Bevis, now with the Cardinals, picked up the win for the White Sox versus Kevin McGovern in that historic game.

Also of note, Brett Rudy ended his consecutive games-played streak at 144 games, a Boston MABL record stretching across 7 seasons.

It's a blur: Brian Houlding shuts out D'backs

May 31, 2003 - White Sox send Cubs hibernating with big 9-4 win.

White Sox 9, Cubs 4 (record 2-3)

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	4	0	0	2	3	0	0	9	13	2
Cubs	0	0	0	0	0	3	1	4	7	3

The White Sox jumped out to a quick lead scoring 4 runs in the first inning, capped by a 3-run homerun by Joe Lombardi.

In the 4th inning, singles by Dan field (2 for 4), Mike McInnis (1 for 2) and a double by Jim Baldyga (2 for 3) brought the score to 6-0. By the end of the 5th inning, the Sox had increased the lead to 9-0 after singles by Jason Ackerson (1 for 2), Mike Lembo (2 for 3), John Howe (1 for 1), Roger Malouf (2 for 4) and a sacrifice fly from Eamonn McDonough.

Eamonn McDonough (2-3, 0.58 ERA) picked up the win with 9 K's through 5 innings, allowing only 3 hits. McDonough remains the MABL league-leader in K's with 37. After a brief stint by Jim Lane, Brian Houlding (0-0, 2.50 ERA) pitched the final 2 innings, recording 7 K's -- a White Sox record for a 2-inning stretch. Houlding now ranks 2nd in the MABL with 22 K's. In total, Sox pitchers recorded 16 K's on the day.

The Cubs scored their 4 runs via 4 consecutive walks to start off the 6th inning. Bill Dube and Chad Besegui also launched doubles in the 7th inning to help their cause.

Newest Sox mascot: Kermit the Frog

Dan Field scores first White Sox run.

May 17, 2003 - White Sox lose third straight after blowing 4-run lead.

Cardinals 7, White Sox 5 (record 1-3)

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	1	1	2	0	0	2	0	5	5	2
Cardinals	0	0	1	0	5	1	-	7	6	2

The White Sox jumped out to a 4-0 lead after scoring in each of the first three innings. In the first inning, Dan Field, the MABL leader in walks (5) led off the game with a walk, stole second and scored on a fielder's choice by Mike McInnis. In the second inning, Jason Ackerson led off with a walk and eventually scored when McInnis drew a bases-loaded walk for his 2nd RBI of the game. In the third inning, Joe Lombardi drove Hugh Guilderson and Al Wiesner home with a single. Lombardi was 3 for 3 on the day.

With the score 4-1 going into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Cardinals scored 5 runs on 4 walks, 2 errors and a nicely timed triple by Conrad Paquette. In the top of the sixth inning, the White Sox had their opportunity to get back into the game when Ackerson (single), Lombardi (single) and Roger Malouf (E3, RBI) started off the inning hot. However, after Jim Lane successfully bunted the tying and go-ahead runs into scoring position, consecutive strikeouts ended the Sox hopes to get back into the game.

On the hill, Brian Houlding (0-0, 2.33 ERA) tossed 4 innings allowing 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6. Eamonn McDonough (1-3, 0.72 ERA) pitched the final two innings in relief to pick up his third tough loss, though he increased his league lead in strikeouts to 28.

Mike McInnis with RBI in first two innings.

May 12, 2003 - White Sox handed second straight loss.

Diamondbacks 5, White Sox 1 (record 1-2)

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
White Sox	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	3
D'backs	0	0	0	0	5	0	-	5	4	2

The White Sox played their first regulation-length game and lost to the Diamondbacks. The Sox took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning after Al Wiesner was hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored when Luke Foskett forced an error by the D'backs shortstop. But that was all the Sox could put together offensively. In fact, the D’Backs Jeff Cain brought a no-hitter into the 6th inning before Hugh Guilderson broke it up with a single. The only other hit was a pinch-hit double by Dan Field to lead off the 7th inning. The D'backs scored all 5 runs in the fifth inning, courtesy of 2 walks, 2 errors, 2 hits and a sac fly.

On the mound, Eamonn McDonough (1-2, 0.40 ERA) pitched well, allowing only 1 hit and recording 9 K's in 4.1 innings. However, the 3 unearned runs allowed notched him his second loss. Brian Houlding (0-0, 0.88 ERA) closed out the game, allowing an unearned run of his own for his only run allowed.

After 3 games, the White Sox team ERA remains at a remarkable 0.97. However, the team batting average is only .172.

Luke Foskett leads en route to a steal.

May 3, 2003 - White Sox go extra innings, again, but lose.

Mets 2, White Sox 1 (record 1-1)

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	R	H	E
Mets	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	4	2
White Sox	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	6	4

For the second straight game, the White Sox went extra innings, but this time with less favorable results, losing to the Mets 2-1 in 10 innings. In MABL history, the White Sox had been 3-0 versus the Mets, all 1-run wins, prior to this 1-run loss.

Brian Houlding (5 innings, 1 earned run, 4 hits, 6 K's) and Eamonn McDonough (5 innings for the loss, no earned runs, no hits, 7 K's) both pitched phenomenally, but to no avail. Defense also showed flair, as when Luke Foskett nailed Mets' first baseman Greg Cote at home plate with a bullet throw for an assist. This allowed the Sox to keep the score at 1-0 in the fourth inning whereby otherwise the floodgates could have opened for the Mets. At the plate, a lead-off single by Roger Malouf in the 6th inning led to the Sox only run. With Jim Lane pinch running, after a Dan Field walk and a Lane steal of third, Lane eventually scored on a Mike McInnis sacrifice fly. As a side, Jim Baldyga (1 for 3) and Hugh Guilderson (2 for 4) each doubled, showing signs of power during the game, though the Sox finished with only 6 hits.

After 2 games, the White Sox improved their team ERA to a remarkable 0.91. However, the team batting average is sitting on the Mendoza Line at an even .200.

Brian Houlding & Eamonn McDonough almost flawless for 10 innings.

Hugh Guilderson preps for a double.

See 2003 upcoming games. Or read all 2003 Game Stories.

April 27, 2003 - White Sox Win Opener in 13 innings.

White Sox 3, Marlins 2 (record 1-0)

Final	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	R	H	E
Marlins	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	9	2
White Sox	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	9	2

The White Sox beat the Marlins in 13 dramatic innings for the White Sox first Opening Day in team history (EST 1994). Luke Foskett, who had 3 hits on the day, hit his finest in the bottom of the 13th inning as he drove in Al Wiesner from 2nd base to win the game in walk-off fashion. Pitcher Eamonn McDonough entered the game in the 6th inning of a 2-2 game and grabbed the win after pitching 8 innings of shutout relief -- allowing only 4 hits and racking up 9 K's.


McDonough tosses 8 shutout innings in relief

Al Wiesner had started the game and pitched 3 scoreless innings until the Marlins connected for 2 runs in the fourth inning. Brian Houlding closed out the inning and pitched another scoreless inning prior to McDonough entering the game in the 6th. Offensively, the White Sox had chances to win the game with runners on base in the 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th innings, but didn't seal the deal until Foskett's hit in the 13th. On the day, in addition to Foskett's 3 hits, Mike McInnis (single & triple) and Dan Field (two singles) each picked up multiple hits. Of note, Hugh Guilderson racked up 19 putouts at first base, crushing the single-game White Sox record. The previous record was 15 by Dan Field behind the plate, and by a non-catcher was 9, shared by Guilderson, Sam Voolich and Mike Lembo.

View past season stories at the White Sox Archives.