CHEESE & WHINE: Getting Their Mojo Back

Rays: 3
White Sox: 2


CHEESE:

• Jeff Niemann. Niemann continues to show improvement- in fact he's been the Rays' best pitcher over the last six weeks. Last night his control and pitch selection were top notch, and his defense was stellar just as an added bonus. Niemann finished the night having allowed 2 runs on 8 hits in 8 innings of work, striking out 7, walking none, and earning a well-deserved W.
• JP Howell. JP once again showcased his skills as a closer; coming-in in the 9th in a true closer's roll and shutting 'em down. Howell allowed 1 hit before striking out 2 and handling a "back-at-ya" which he tossed to Pena to make it official and earn the save.
• The Red Sox lost.

WHINE:

• Pat Burrell. Hitless again. I'm growing impatient.
• Obnoxious Fan. Some obnoxious fan was coming over the mic during the game, and just thought that calling Evan Longoria "Eva" in between every stinkin' pitch was the funniest thing he'd ever come up with... it wasn't funny to begin with and it certainly isn't funny now that you're the 9 millionth knucklehead to say it.

CRACKERS:

• Scott Kazmir will make his scheduled start this evening, despite the cramping in his forearm which he experienced at the end of his last start.
• CWS pitcher John Danks has a blister and has been scratched in favor of rookie Carlos Torres.

CAVIAR (game ball):

• Jeff Niemann. That spike curveball is filthy. I love it.