Sox vs. Angels - Liveblogging the HD experience

The White Sox and Cubs are broadcasting all home games in HD this season, whether they be on Comcast Sports Net or WGN. So this one is in HD today. It's the only game of the series I'll be watching on television, but man, it looks really, really nice.

• Both pitchers work pretty fast, with Buerhle in the "incredibly freaking fast" category, so this should be a quick one. I saw Buerhle on opening day, a 2:00 start. The game was over so fast that I ended up going back to the office before 5:00.
• Nice play by Figgins, as this one is rolling right along. Big ovation for the Big Hurt.
• Sox extend Guillen's contract. Reaction: At least he's good for some colorful headlines. And it's easier to do when the guy across town is taking all the heat.
• 2 on, none out, and they tell Rivera to bunt, which he predictably botches. Who the fuck is running this team? Christ, Scioscia, it's the fucking second inning! Next play, double play, and end of threat. It's no wonder this team can't score.
• 2 on, none out for the Sox. Bet they don't bunt.
• And the non-bunt pays off with a base hit. Bases juiced, no one out sounds a lot better than first and second with one out.
• Second straight inning with the bases loaded and none out. Wash might be able to avoid both spots with only one run total. But no, a two run double has probably put this game out of reach in the third inning. Wash has looked awful today. And they aren't calling smart pitches.
• Finley takes one out, providing the slightest glimmer of hope. He's been swinging it downright OK lately.
• Three straight innings with the first two men on. And Ozzie Guillen proves me wrong by outdumbing Scioscia and calling for a bunt with two on and none out, leading to a double play. These people are freaking idiots.
• Funny thing, I haven't gone through the game logs, but if I remember correctly, this is the first game in a LONG time that Washburn got out of the first inning without a threat, let alone 1-2-3. In most of the other games, he settled down and pitched very well from there on out. Today, it's been just the opposite. All kinds of baserunners, and more help from his defense, with a home to first double play, then a double play on a botched sacrifice. Weird how things work out sometimes. Although, he'll almost assuredly get the loss, so the more things change, the more they stay the same.
• Four straight innings with the lead-off runner aboard.
• No blood again thanks to the double play ball. Nice pick by D-Mac to start the double play. When people aren't talking about his defense, that means he's doing it right.
• Double for Finley. We really need that bat to be hot for a few weeks. Folllwed up by a single by Cabrera to drive in the run. The two big signings team up to get the Angels back in the game.
• Finally got the lead-off hitter, then gave up a single to Dye. Hopefully the good defense mojo can pick him up again.
• Peralta into the game. He looked terrific the other night, but I kind of have a bad feeling about this outing. I hope I'm wrong.
• I'm wrong. A double to Iguchi, but otherwise he looked strong. Maybe they found another hidden gem for the bullpen.
• Threatening. Marte - tough lefty - against D-Mac. Already 0-2, looking like a big K. If Marte throws a fastball here, he should be shot. Defensive swings keeping him at the plate. Just don't hit into a double play.
• Wow, he gets the double play ball, and Iguchi makes a bad toss for the error, and the Angels have the loaded for the might Q who comes through with a game tying single. Right about now, I'm kicking myself for removing Shields from my lineup in favor of Hermanson.
• Figgy time. I'd be taking three-one, but Figgy fouled off a pitch that was probably a strike anyway.
• Walks in the go ahead run. Wow. This would be a HUGE game to win. They're going to need every single break possible on this trip.
• Key question: Does Shields have enough left after yesterday's loooooooong inning?
• The early answer appears to be "No".
• Right now I'm really happy that I took Shields out of my lineup in favor of Hermanson.
• Well, I would have called for the intentional walk to load the bases, but apparently the Angels know that Everett isn't hitting righties well, and Shields strikes him out. Nervous time.
• And Timo comes through. Blown save. Loss. Ugh. Horrible start to the road trip. Too many lead-off runners on base.

Looking back, if you'd told me that they'd lose in the bottom of the ninth, I wouldn't have believed it, because they were in trouble in every inning. But when the sun is shining on you, you have to take advantage. The Angels got EVERY SINGLE BREAK and still lost. This could be the beginning of a long, long slide. I'm gonna be sick.