The ChiSox proved me wrong tonight, scoring five runs rather than my predicted one. Houston, however, apparently did hear my prediction and kept it at three runs.

Houston went down in Chicago tonight, letting the Sox get the best of Clemens. This was actually the first game one World Series start for the Rocket, despite previously being a part of five. Before the game Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen reminded everyone of Clemens age – er – experience¬ – saying “I think my coaching staff has more at-bats against Roger Clemens than my starting line up!”

Ozzie didn’t need to worry about his players, though. Chicago put up three runs in the first two innings, including a huge homer by Dye before Clemens succumbed to a strained hamstring. Houston did tie it up with a solo shot by Lamb in the first followed by Berkman knocking two runs in the next inning. That would do it for Houston, while Chicago pulled ahead in the fourth and tacked on an insurance run in the eighth when Podsednik’s stand up triple allowed Pierzynski to score (still riding high from residual “the ball hit the dirt! I swear!” fame).

The highlight of the game proved to be when Sox closer Jenks was waved in from the bullpen. As soon as Ozzie motioned “big, tall guy” to his pen, I could almost hear the Astros let out a collective groan (yes. My sound system is that good). The Astros didn’t have a chance against Jenks’ sound-barrier-breaking fastballs. I don’t think a single pitch of his dipped below 95mph as he secured the win for his team, using a very conservative fourteen pitches.

Though the Sox won tonight, it’s still anybody’s ring in my opinion. Both teams played well tonight, and who knows what would have happened if Clemens’ hamstring had been feeling up to par? Tomorrow night brings us Pettitte and Buehrle, and Pitching Duel 2005 continues at 7:30 EST….