Joe Nathan gave up back-to-back homers and four runs in all to blow a ninth-inning lead and take a loss Wednesday against the White Sox.
Absolutely stunning. Nathan retired Mark Kotsay and Scott Podsednik to start the ninth, only to give up back-to-back homers to Gordon Beckham and Paul Konerko to tie the game. He then walked the next two batters he faced, and Matt Guerrier allowed both to score after taking over. It was the first time in four years than Nathan has been charged with four runs. It was the first time since May 26, 2003 that he had given up two homers. He was still pitching for the Giants then, and he allowed homers to Charles Johnson and Preston Wilson while pitching the fifth and sixth innings in relief of Kirk Rueter. This is just Nathan's latest shaky outing, and concern has to be growing. Still, there are no flashing red lights that suggest a breakdown is imminent.
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