White Sox Edge Another Thriller

Chicago White Sox rallied late in the game to open up a 2-0 lead in the World Series with a 7-6 win over the Houston Astros.

Scott Podsednik was the hero, hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to send the packed Wrigley Field into a frenzy. Until the post-season, Podsednik had not cracked a single home run, but last night he decisively drilled Astros closer Brad Lidge over the right centre-field wall.

The best-of-seven series now heads to Texas where Houston will enjoy home advantage for the next three games.

Leading 6-4 after Paul Konerko's grand slam in the seventh inning, Chicago looked poised to round off their second victory in a row as closer Bobby Jenks took to the mound for the top of the ninth. However, the hero of Game One gave up a single and a walk to put the tying runs on base, and Jose Vizcaino struck a two-run scoring single down the left-field line to make it 6-6.

However, Podsednik saved Jenks's blushes, as the White Sox took another massive step towards a first World Series victory since 1917. "We understand that we haven't accomplished anything yet," said Podsednik. "The ultimate goal comes after two more wins."

Astros manager Phil Garner summed up best the mood in Houston's camp. "Well, we're certainly not in a good spot," he said. "This is not the best situation, but it's the one we're in and we'll bounce back. We'll make a series out of this."

The teams fly to Houston today for a workout day, with Game Three tomorrow featuring Astros' 20-game winner Roy Oswalt taking on Chicago's 18-game winner Jon Garland.