Biggio Says His Wife Was Struck by a Fan

HOUSTON â€”  Astro second baseman Craig Biggio says he wants no charges filed against a Chicago White Sox fan who he claimed struck his wife Sunday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

A team spokesman said the alleged incident took place late in Game 2, which the White Sox won, 7-6. One report said Patty Biggio had had her hair pulled, but Craig Biggio said the man struck her.

“There was one guy that decided to act like a 12-year-old, slapped her upside the head and ran away like a kid,� he said. “It was his misfortune he messed with a Jersey girl.�

Patty Biggio chased down the man, according to Craig, and security guards took him away. She was unhurt.

On Monday, White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen apologized on behalf of the organization.

“When you’re a man and you hit a lady, no matter whose wife it is or sister it is, you [should] respect them,� he said. “I will talk to [Biggio] about it tomorrow to apologize ... about the incident.

“The guy that did it, he should be brought back to Biggio, and he’s the one that can hopefully get him back. I told the police, ‘Don’t put him in jail, bring him to me in the clubhouse.’ �

It is not the first violent incident at the ballpark. In September 2002, a father and son attacked Kansas City Royal first base coach Tom Gamboa as he stood in the coaches’ box.

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While the rest of the White Sox were celebrating Scott Podsednik’s walk-off home run Sunday night, Guillen was searching for rookie closer Bobby Jenks, who had given up the two runs that tied the score in the top of the ninth.

He found Jenks in the clubhouse, where he hugged him, slapped his cheeks lovingly, and told him to be ready to close again.

“I was looking for Bobby, the guy who failed,� Guillen said. “I know how he feels. That’s the guy you have to protect, show him some love and show him I still believe in him.�

Guillen said he got a little carried away with the slaps. “I hope he’s all right,� he said. “I about broke his nose.�

Said Jenks: “ ... It’s always nice to hear a guy’s behind you.�

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Roger Clemens was treated for his strained left hamstring and, according to Manager Phil Garner, is “penciled in� for Game 5, if it is necessary.... Nolan Ryan will throw out tonight’s ceremonial first pitch. ... The Astros were 15-11 with the roof open this season, 36-17 with it closed, and 2-0 when they closed the roof during the game.