18 Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox July 23, 2009
While Johnson was perhaps a perfect game waiting to happen, Mark Buehrle is not equipped quite the same way. The Chicago White Sox hurler does not possess dominant stuff, but instead relies on great command and precision to be effective.
Although he has enjoyed a fine career mixing up his wide array of pitches, Buehrle deploys a pitch-to-contact style that leans heavily on his fielders behind him. And, in last season's perfect game, the White Sox lefty benefited from a spectacular, home run robbing catch by center fielder DeWayne Wise to preserve the masterpiece in the ninth.
Overall, Buehrle eased his way through the game against a hard hitting Tampa Bay Rays team until the dramatic play in the final frame. He retired 11 via ground ball, 10 via fly ball, and 6 via strikes.
Just two seasons earlier, Buehrle tossed a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers. Coincidentally, the same home plate umpire (Eric Cooper) called both games, so hitters might not be thrilled to see him donning a chest protector when Buehrle takes the mound down the road.
That was ridiculous how the umpire took away that perfect game from the pitcher last week. Poor guy! It was sad how it was the very last out of the game too. They need to use instant replay in baseball for close calls like that. It's too hard to tell sometimes when it's live!
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