On May 14, 2006, Buehrle became the first major-league starting pitcher in over a century to allow seven runs in the first inning but then win the game. The previous time had been on September 29, 1900, when Jack Powell of the St. Louis Cardinals pitched such a game against the Chicago Cubs. On October 30, 2006, the White Sox exercised their $9.5 million option for Buehrle's 2007 season. Buehrle finished the 2006 season 12–13 with a 4.99 ERA, his first losing season in seven major league seasons.