Peavy Shines, Sox Squeak Out a 1-0 Win

Jake Peavy tossed a three-hitter last night against the division-leading Cleveland Indians, a gem the White Sox desperately needed.

Peavy struck out eight and walked none, pitching a complete game, getting stronger as the night went on. He got folks out of there in 2 hours and 1 minute, very Mark Buehrle-esque.

Lost in all the Peavy fanfare was Justin Masterson, who also pitched a complete game, allowing just five hits and two walks while striking out eight. The lone run of the game was surrendered right away, an Adam Dun sacrifice fly in the first inning.

Juan Pierre led off the game with a double – just his fourth extra base hit of the year (eat that, Derek Jeter). Masterson gave Pierre a lot of credit after the game for staying with a sinker that didn’t sink, and taking the extra base. The hit was a soft liner down the left field line and Pierre stretched it into a double.

He advanced to third on an Omar Vizquel single, then the Dunn sac fly decided the game, three hitters in.

Peavy threw 111 pitches, pounded the strike zone and challenged hitters. Though the Indians were without Travis  Hafner and Grady Sizemore, it doesn’t take away from what Peavy accomplished. The bullpen was a non-factor and the offense was held in check by Masterson, but this could be a huge momentum grabber for the White Sox.

The Jake Peavy the White Sox are paying for finally showed up – he’s not going to throw a complete game shutout every time out, but this is a great sign that the 29-year old is returning to his former self after the 10-month layoff from surgery.