The Detroit Tigers chose to intentionally walk Miguel Vargas, creating a matchup for reliever Drew Sommers against Chicago White Sox designated hitter Andrew Benintendi in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. Benintendi shared his strategy after the game, explaining his approach to handling Sommers’ tricky delivery and fast pitches with sink. He focused on making contact, resulting in a single that swept past diving shortstop Kevin McGonigle into left field.

White Sox left fielder Randal Grichuk, who had begun the inning with a pinch-hit double, advanced from second base to score on Benintendi’s hit. This crucial play gave the White Sox a 4-3 lead in front of 33,119 fans, ensuring their victory. “That was awesome,” remarked Sox manager Will Venable, highlighting Benintendi’s crucial at-bat. Venable explained the strategic decision to put Benintendi against the lefty at that pivotal moment.

With this win, the White Sox (64-58) strengthened their hold at the top of the American League Central. The Tigers (60-63) dropped to 4½ games behind in the standings. The Sox had already taken the first game of the series, and starter Anthony Kay emphasized the importance of securing each division game, with an opportunity to sweep the series on Sunday.

The game began with the Sox taking an early lead thanks to Braden Montgomery’s two-out RBI single. The Tigers responded with Eduardo Valencia’s RBI single at the bottom of the first. In the third inning, Colson Montgomery, who had struggled in recent games, delivered a key two-run double after a determined nine-pitch at-bat. Venable praised Montgomery for his perseverance in delivering a crucial hit.

Eduardo Valencia hit a home run in the fourth, narrowing the Sox’s lead to 3-2. The Tigers tied the game in the fifth with Gleyber Torres’ RBI double against Kay. Kay ended his 5 1/3 innings allowing three runs on six hits, striking out four and issuing one walk. Reflecting on his performance, Kay highlighted his improvement after the first inning and noted some mistakes in the fifth but remained positive about his overall outing.

The Sox reclaimed the definitive lead in the seventh inning when Grichuk doubled, Murakami struck out, and the Tigers walked Vargas. Benintendi’s decisive hit scored Grichuk, securing the 4-3 advantage. Venable remarked on the skills and clutch performance of Grichuk and Benintendi during high-pressure moments.

In the final innings, relievers Jordan Hicks, Grant Taylor, and Bryan Hudson closed out the game, maintaining the lead. Hicks struck out three in 1 2/3 hitless innings. Taylor pitched a scoreless eighth, and Hudson sealed the win with a perfect ninth inning, earning his fifth save. Venable praised Hicks’ performance as “electric,” highlighting his consistency and the team’s need for his strong performance.

Following the series against the Cincinnati Reds, the Sox focused on these division games. Benintendi emphasized the importance of each game but framed them as another series to win. “Feels good,” he remarked after the victory.

Roster Moves

Before Saturday’s game, the White Sox added catcher Jake Rogers to their 26-man roster, sending catcher Edgar Quero to Triple-A Charlotte. Manager Venable expressed satisfaction with Quero’s development, appreciating his progress and successful adjustments defensively. Venable noted Quero’s need for further improvement but acknowledged his positive response to coaching.

Rogers, who went 0-for-4 in the game, returned to Comerica Park where he previously played multiple seasons with the Tigers. He received a warm reception from the crowd upon his first at-bat after being claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox earlier in the week.