Marathon Pundit: White Sox one game from elimination as Rays win 2nd game of ALDS

Despite getting off to a quick start this evening in game two of the American League Division Series, two runs in the first inning, the Chicago White Sox weren't able to capitalize on a rocky start by Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir. The lefty hit Sox lead off batter Orlando Cabrera with his second pitch, then Nick Swisher walked. The South Siders then followed with three singles, but only Cabrera and Swisher scored.

The Rays took advantage of every opportunity--and Sox starter Mark Buerhrle only gave them a few--and won the game, 6-2.

The two teams meet again Sunday afternoon in Chicago. If the Rays win, they take the best-of-five series.

After scoring a run in the second inning, the Tampa Bay pulled ahead for good in the fifth inning when second baseman Akinori Iwamura hit a two run home run.

The Rays added three insurance runs in the eighth, on the strength of two singles, a double, and a triple.

Tampa Bay left only five runners on base tonight, the White Sox abandoned twelve on the base path. That the Rays ended up on top in Game Two should surprise no one.

The White Sox won the AL Central by hitting bucket-fulls of home runs. But they're a slow team, and their lack of speed hurt them in the last two games on the trampoline-turf in Tropicana Field.

Teams have come back from 0-2 deficits in the baseball playoffs before, most recently when the Boston Red Sox overtook the Oakland Athletics in 2003. The White Sox shouldn't be ruled out, but if there is a fifth game, it will be back to "the trampoline." Advantage Rays.

TBS did a great job covering the two games in St. Petersburg. I've watched a bunch of games televised from Tropicana Field, but I had no idea that the stadium had those elaborate catwalks above the field until yesterday.

Misery has company in Chicago. The Cubs are down 0-2 in the NLDS, and they face the Dodgers tomorrow and (if necessary) Sunday in Los Angeles. The North Siders are in serious trouble.

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