Watching the Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros in Game 1 of their Wild Card Series inspired two thoughts.

One, it’s always good to see the Astros lose.

Two, Texas would have had no business being in this game. 

Watching the White Sox pile on hit after hit, going the other way, taking pitches, playing small ball, is a reminder of what good baseball can be. It’s something we haven’t seen in these parts for the past three seasons.

Since baseball went to this best-of-three wild card format, the team that won the first game is 15-1. So, the White Sox have the upper hand. Not to mention, they have the Pope, who is from Chicago and a lifelong fan of the Sox, on their side. Devine intervention is a powerful thing. Had the Rangers made it, they had no defense against that.

*****