Jenks grabs share of record
Bobby Jenks pitched a perfect ninth inning for Chicago, in the White Sox’ 6-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday in Chicago.
The significance? Jenks broke David Wells’ American League record and tied the major league record of 41 straight batters retired. Jim Barr set down 41 straight for San Francisco in 1972.
Jenks, a former Lakeland High pitcher, has refused to talk to the media until the streak is over.
With the crowd chanting his name, it took Jenks only seven pitches to finish the ninth. He knocked down Adam Jones’ liner with his glove and threw him out, Jermaine Dye made a diving catch on Jamie Burke’s ball in right, and Jenks got Yuniesky Betancourt to ground out to end the inning. Jenks then pumped his fist several times and tipped his hat to the crowd.
Houston honors Biggio
Minute Maid Park in Houston was more than three-fourths full 45 minutes before game time as the Houston Astros held a ceremony honoring Craig Biggio for his 3,000-plus hits.
Special guests on the field included former teammates Jeff Bagwell, Nolan Ryan and Casey Candaele, and Nancy Caminiti, wife of former teammate Ken Caminiti, who died in 2004.
About longtime teammate Bagwell, Biggio said, “Baggie, I guess all things have to come to an end. But I love you and we’ll be friends forever.”
The crowd chanted Biggio’s name when he was introduced and a five-minute long tribute was played on the big screen that included well-wishes from fellow members of the 3,000-hit club Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr. and Rickey Henderson. He was given letters from Pete Rose, Robin Yount and Wade Boggs congratulating him.
Mets catch bad luck
On the same day the Mets placed Paul Lo Duca on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right hamstring, backup catcher Ramon Castro left the game against the Florida Marlins in the third inning because of back discomfort. An MRI exam showed mild arthritis in Castro’s lower back, general manager Omar Minaya said. Castro is day-to-day.
Mike DiFelice, called up from Triple-A New Orleans, took Castro’s place. He is the only other catcher on the roster.