Mark Buehrle Pitches Perfect Game Against Tampa Bay Rays

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle has pitched the 18th perfect game in MLB history against the Tampa Bay Rays. The White Sox won the game 5-0, to salvage the last game in the three game series, where the Rays won the first two. Buehrle pitched the first perfect game in the major leagues, in more than five years since Randy Johnson did it in 2004. Buehrle was coasting before the ninth inning. But in that ninth inning, Buehrle got help from his outfield when center fielder DeWayne Wise made a great catch to save the shutout and the perfect game bid. Wise jumped and stretched his glove over the fence to rob Kapler of a home run. It almost came out of Wise's glove but stayed in, much to the delight of the hometown fans. For the second out of the inning, Michael Hernandez struck out, and Jason Bartlett grounded out to end the game. Buehrle was mobbed by his teammates after the final out of the game was recorded.

For those who don't know, a perfect game is one of the rarest feats in baseball. According to Wikipedia, a perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher (or combination of pitchers) pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher (or pitchers) cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any other reason-in short, "27 up, 27 down". By definition, a perfect game must be both a no-hitter and a shutout.

Buehrle is now in an exclusive list, joining the ranks of Lee Richmond, John Montgomery Ward, Cy Young, Addie Joss, Charlie Robertson, Don Larsen, Jim Bunning, Sandy Koufax, Catfish Hunter, Len Barker, Mike Witt, Tom Browning, Dennis Martinez, Kenny Rogers, David Wells, David Cone, and Randy Johnson who have thrown perfect games in their careers. Buehrle pitches the 16th perfect game since the modern era began in 1900.

Buehrle has been the best pitcher this season for the White Sox and their ace. He improves his record to 11-3, and drops his ERA to 3.28. Buehrle, who was contemplating retirement before throwing his perfect game, started his MLB career in 2000 with the White Sox. He has been selected to the All-Star game four times (2002, 2005, 2006, 2009). Buehrle had pitched a no-hitter in 2007 against the Texas Rangers and was a part of the World Series Champion White Sox in 2005.