154

The last time Mark Buehrle faced the Rays, he was perfect.  Well, with Tampa Bay back in town, Buehrle achieved perfection again last night -- he was perfectly horrible.  Buehrle, who failed to get the last out in the fifth inning, gave up six runs on nine hits and a walk before yielding (he did a lot of yielding during the game) to what turned out to be a shaky bullpen.  Tony Pena and Randy Williams poured gasoline on the fire by allowing a total of six runs in only two-thirds of an inning between them.   But it wouldn't have mattered if Buehrle and the "relievers" had limited the Rays to one run for the game because the White Sox were shut out.

The "offense" was offensive.  Juan Pierre had two hits (but still wound up hitting below the Mendoza Line on the season).  Gordon Beckham had one (to break out of a terrible slump).  And Jayson Nix had a single in his only trip to the plate (after taking over for Alexei Ramirez).  There were four walks, but no threat to speak of, let alone a run.

By the way, after the Sox ended their relationship with 7-11 (no more 7:11 pm starts for night games at the Cell), we wondered if they'd try to hook up with another retailer as a promotion.  Given the team's 5 and 10 record this season, it looks like they're trying to get something going with Woolworth's.  (For our younger readers, we should explain that Woolworth's was what used to be known as a Five and Ten, a variety store that originally sold its merchandise for either a nickel or a dime.)  Go Sox!