CHICAGO -- When they last saw Tropicana Field, the White Sox were a team in crisis.
Of course they were. They're always a team in crisis. They thrive on crisis.
And then, somehow, they find a way out.
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| It has been a roller-coaster ride for Ozzie Guillen's club. (AP) |
Somehow, when you're sure that this time they've really missed their chance, the White Sox turn around and grab it right back. And then finally, they hold on tight, just as A.J. Pierzynski did Tuesday in the fifth inning of a winner-take-all 1-0 victory against the Twins.
How did he do it?
"I have no idea," Pierzynski said, as the champagne flowed in the White Sox clubhouse.
How do they do it?
Well, when Guillen suggested before the game that this wild ride of a season might lead him to write a book, someone asked him what the title would be.
"How the heck are we in first place?" Guillen responded, adding in a few other choice but unprintable words, as only he could.
They've been in first place most of the year. They finished in first, because John Danks pitched the game of his life and because Jim Thome hit the home run of his life.
They finished as AL Central champions, because Pierzynski held on, tagging out Michael Cuddyer at the plate in a game that remained scoreless.
He held on. They held on.
