White Sox Edge Out Tigers with Key Hits in Division Match

The Detroit Tigers opted to intentionally walk Miguel Vargas, setting the stage for a critical matchup between reliever Drew Sommers and Andrew Benintendi of the Chicago White Sox. In the seventh inning at Comerica Park, Benintendi aimed to capitalize on a ‘funky arm slot’ pitcher like Sommers, focusing on putting the ball in play.

Benintendi succeeded, delivering a single that deflected off Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle and reached left field. Randal Grichuk, who previously doubled, scored, propelling the Sox to a 4-3 victory before 33,119 fans.

White Sox manager Will Venable praised Benintendi’s contribution. “We had limited options, and he was our choice against the lefty. He delivered when needed.”

The Sox, leading the American League Central at 64-58, increased their lead by winning their second consecutive match in the series. The Tigers, sitting at 60-63, trailed by 4½ games in the standings. Sox starter Anthony Kay emphasized the importance of division games as the team sought a series sweep.

In the first inning, the Sox took the lead with Braden Montgomery’s two-out RBI single. The Tigers quickly responded with an RBI single by Eduardo Valencia. Colson Montgomery, previously hitless in 11 at-bats, then drove in two runs with a double in the third inning.

“Montgomery had to battle through a tough at-bat and came out with a crucial hit,” commented Venable.

After Valencia’s home run in the fourth narrowed the gap to 3-2, the Tigers tied the score in the fifth with Gleyber Torres’s RBI double against Kay.

Kay allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings, striking out four. He acknowledged a groove after the first inning, hampered only by a couple of misplaced changeups.

The Sox reclaimed the lead in the seventh when Benintendi drove in Grichuk after the intentional walk to Vargas, making it 4-3.

“Our guys thrive in these moments,” said Venable regarding Grichuk and Benintendi’s performances.

Jordan Hicks displayed dominant pitching, striking out three in 1 2/3 hitless innings, contributing significantly to the win. Grant Taylor and Bryan Hudson secured the eighth and ninth innings, with Hudson earning his fifth save.

Venable highlighted Hicks’s performance, noting his exceptional form and stamina that proved crucial.

The Sox rebounded after a series loss against the Cincinnati Reds, taking a valuable lead in this division contest. Benintendi commented on the sense of consistency, treating every game with equal importance.

Roster Adjustments

Before Saturday’s game, the White Sox made strategic roster moves by including catcher Jake Rogers into the 26-man lineup while sending Edgar Quero to Triple-A Charlotte.

Venable praised Quero’s progress, highlighting improvements, particularly defensively. Venable stated the importance of Quero’s development and future potential.

Rogers, making his return to a warmly receptive crowd, played various parts of six seasons with the Tigers before being reclaimed from the Red Sox. Although he went 0-for-4 on Saturday, he was optimistic about his impact with the team.