World Series Game 1

Finally, the World Series has arrived. I will be calculating WPA for all (or as many as possible) WS games. I'm going to do something slightly different and update this post as this game goes on with any interesting comments or observations I have. My recap should be posted about 15 minutes after the game ends.

• 7:50: The game is about to start. Here are the career World Series statistics for Roger Clemens (7 G, 3-0, 1.90 ERA, 47.1 IP, 33 H, 12 BB, 48 K) and Jose Contreras (4 G, 0-1, 5.68 ERA, 6.1 IP, 5 H, 5 BB, 10 K).
• 8:11: The top of the first just ended with Contreras retiring the Astros 1-2-3. It appeared to me that Jose has great movement on his pitches, but I'm a little worried about his control. It seemed as though he's missed significantly on 4-5 of his pitches so far, but we'll see.
  
• 8:21: Jermaine Dye just had a heck of an at-bat against Clemens, ending up with a solo homer to right field. Clemens, like Contreras, has had location problems so far. Of the two, I'd be more worried with Clemens. The White Sox's WPA is now 60.6%.
• 8:29: More early action with Mike Lamb tying the game with a solo shot of his own. The White Sox's WPA is now down to 52.4%. Joe Buck needs to stop talking about small ball.
• 8:53: As I thought, Clemens is struggling (54 pitches through 2 IP). I wouldn't be surprised to see Wandy Rodriguez come into the game if Clemens struggles to start the 3rd, which would allow Roger to come back in Game 4. On another note, Penn State is beating Illinois right now 56-3... at the half.
• 9:04: Early prediction: Lance Berkman will be the World Series MVP (at least based off of WPA). As soon as he came up with 2 on and 2 out, it was obvious he was going to get the hit to knock the runs in. He's locked in right now. White Sox's WPA is 55.7%.
• 9:43: Halfway through the game it's still close in score, but the White Sox's WPA is now up to 70.2%. Player of the game so far: Lance Berkman (1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, K, .165 WPA). Goat of the game so far: Roger Clemens (2.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, K, HR, -.204 WPA)
• 10:37: Starting the 8th now, the White Sox's WPA has only slightly risen to 73.4%. The Astros are going to have to do something fast consdering the middle of their lineup is up. We'll see how the Sox's bullpen is considering their long layoff.
• 10:57: Very interesting 8th inning for the Astros. I was very surprised that Phil Garner let Mike Lamb hit against Neal Cotts instead of bringing in Chris Burke against the lefty. Then, after Lamb strikes out, Garner brings in Burke to pinch run for the Astros best hitter, Lance Berkman. Why didn't Burke come into the game before that, even to pinch run while Ensberg or Lamb hit? White Sox's WPA is now at 86.1%.
• 11:13: Starting the 9th the White Sox's WPA is at 91.9%. I bet Everett gets pinch hit for (I'm looking at you Orlando Palmeiro or Jose Vizcaino), but I think Lane and Ausmus will get to hit.
• 11:19: Game over after the quick 9th inning by Jenks. I'm not sure why Everett was allowed to hit in the 9th (another odd job by Garner), but it probably wouldn't have made a difference.

This was a good game, which I'll give a 7.5/10. My recap should be up soon.