Even though this was a June game between two teams separated by over nine games in the standings, there was no lack of drama or fireworks in a gritty Detroit Tigers win over the Chicago White Sox
. It felt like a division-rivalry showdown for the first time in a while — and the Tigers had the last laugh.The fireworks started early when Randal Grichuk, who came into the game with a .364 average against Tarik Skubal, paid tribute to Snoop Dogg when he smashed a home run 420 feet to put the White Sox
on the board. Not to be out done, Matt Vierling took advantage of a fastball a little too much in the zone, hitting it over the fence for a two-run homer as the third Detroit batter in the bottom of the first inning.
For the next few innings, it was your average White Sox gritty affair. Both teams had plenty of chances, but some nice defensive plays and missed opportunities kept the Tigers ahead until the top of the fifth inning. In the fifth, there were fireworks.
With runners on the corners, Tristan Peters brought in a run on what was originally called a double play on a badly-missed call by first bace umpire Stu Scheurwater. Scheurwater’s gaffe was reversed, and at some point over the next few batters, things got chippy. While the White Sox couldn’t take advantage and grab the lead, they clearly got under the skin of Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. After striking out Colson Montgomery, Skubal and Mike Vasil had more than a few words for each other as Skubal walked to the dugout. While it was impossible to read their lips, I’m sure they weren’t congratulating each other on their solid seasons so far.
The cameras tried to catch some more fire between the two pitchers, but there were no more pleasantries exchanged between the two sides in the sixth inning. With that being said, the cameras caught a different explosion in the form of Junior Perez’s first big league homer, as he gave the South Siders the lead once again. Tigers manager AJ Hinch had seen enough out of Skubal and he departed in the middle of the sixth. This time, Skubal didn’t have any more fiery words for Vasil as he hung his head leaving toward the dugout, in line for the loss in his first start in Detroit since his IL stint.
Unfortunately, Chicago’s good vibes didn’t last long. The Tigers took back the lead in what resembled a sparkler more than a firework when a bloop single dropped just before Peters could get under it in the bottom of the sixth. With the runners going on contact with two outs, two runs came around to flip the lead back in favor of the Tigers.
The White Sox continued to scratch and claw their way through the game, but unfortunately, they ran out of firepower once Skubal departed. After the southpaw was pulled, the Tigers bullpen allowed just one hit and struck out four over the last 11 batters they faced.
While the loss is certainly disappointing, it was a solid showing against one of the best pitchers in baseball. With much more “gettable” pitchers on deck for Detroit, there is still a good chance the South Siders can take this series.
