After Chicago wasted a leadoff double by Pierzynski in the ninth, Jason Lane lofted a 3-2 pitch off Bobby Jenks into short center for a single leading off the bottom half.

Brad Ausmus sacrificed and pinch-hitter Chris Burke fouled out to Uribe, who fell into the left-field seats as he leaned in to make the grab. Uribe ran to the mound with the ball and gave Jenks a slap.

“How did he pull it out?” Houston’s Craig Biggio said. “If I was a fan, I would have mauled him.”

Orlando Palmeiro then pinch hit, and grounded to Uribe at shortstop for the final out, with Paul Konerko gloving the ball a half-step before Palmeiro landed on the bag. A postseason filled with umpires making questionable calls ended with them getting it right.

“It means a lot not only to us in the clubhouse but to the organization, to the fans, to the city, and it’s just a great feeling,” Dye said. “We’re just happy to be able to bring a championship to the city of Chicago, and it’s really special.”

Chicago players poured out of their dugout and jumped around on the mound.

“Today was the first time in my life, the last two innings, my heart was pounding like crazy. I was so excited,” Guillen said. “So many people were waiting for this moment.”

Astros players were stone-faced, then came out to wave to their fans and throw caps into the seats. Houston was 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position on the night and 10-for-48 (.208) in the Series, and the Astros were shut out for the final 15 innings, stranding 18 runners.

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“I did really poor in this series, and that really eats at me,” said Ensberg, who was 2-for-18 with two RBIs. “It’s difficult to handle.”

Jenks got his second save, while Lidge fell to 0-2 in the Series and 0-3 in the postseason.

“Getting this far almost leaves a bitter taste in your mouth,” Lidge said.

After Chicago’s 14-inning, 7-5 win that lasted a Series-record 5 hours, 41 minutes and ended at 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, the crowd of 42,936 at Minute Maid Park was somewhat subdued. The fans had to know that no team has ever overcome a 3-0 Series deficit.

“I guess it’s fitting — how many times were we shut out this year? — to get shut out in our final game.” Biggio said of the Astros, blanked a major league-high 17 times.

Guillen was ready to take the prize with him.

“With all due respect to Chicago fans, I know my country, they’re going crazy,” he said. “The trophy is going to Venezuela.”

Notes: Chicago also began the season and the second half with 1-0 wins, both over Cleveland. ... Houston lost a major league-high five 1-0 games during the regular season.

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