Ideal weather conditions in April are uncommon in Chicago, making the Sox 8-7 loss to Cleveland even more heartbreaking.
“When the temperature is in the low ’30s and a 35 mph breeze is blowing off the lake, you know you’re going to have a packed house,” said Sox radio announcer Ed Farmer. “It’s a shame the only thing our fans could cheer about was the 19 degree wind chill.”
The Sox had a chance to rally in the ninth, when Cleveland closer Joe Borowski began the inning by walking Darin Erstad, giving the slugging trio of Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, and Jermaine Dye the opportunity to drive in the tying run. South Side fans’ hopes were shattered, however, when leftfielder Jason Michaels made a tough, clutch game-ending catch on Joe Crede.
A bright spot for the Sox was the performance of David Aardsma, who struck out five Indians in two innings of work, including three straight to stop a bases loaded threat in the eighth. Aardsma, who was traded from the Cubs during the off-season, admitted his outing may be unexpected by those who follow Chicago’s National League team.
“You have to remember, last year I played for Dusty Baker, who would take me out for ice cream after the game whether I pitched well or not,” said Aardsma. “[Manager Ozzie] Guillen threatened my life if I didn’t strike out the side, and death can be a real good motivator.”
Number of the Day: 67
Pitches starter Jon Garland, apparently in a pitch count contest with the Cubs’ Carlos Zambrano, threw by the end of the third inning.
