White Sox even up ALCS with contentious victory (Reuters) Updated: 2005-10-13 14:51
CHICAGO, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A Joe Crede double drove in catcher A.J.
Pierzynski in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Chicago White Sox to a
controversial 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in Game Two of the ALCS on
Wednesday.
The victory evens up the best-of-seven championship series at 1-1 and the
teams now head to California for the next three games with the eventual winner
going on to play in the World Series.
With two outs and the game tied at 1-1, Pierzynski struck out swinging at a
low offering from Los Angeles Angels reliever Kelvim Escobar.
However, as catcher Josh Paul tossed the ball back toward the mound and the
Angels headed toward their dugout, Pierzynski scurried to first base unopposed.
Home plate umpire Doug Eddings ruled the ball had hit the dirt before Paul
caught it, which meant Pierzynski had to either be tagged out or thrown out at
first.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia and several players argued the call but were
unable to change the decision and worse was to follow for Los Angeles.
Pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna then stole second, allowing Crede the opportunity to
drive him in with his second double of the game.
"It was a weird play but we were able to capitalise on their mistakes," Crede
said.
"We didn't want to go down 0-2 going to Anaheim."
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