White Sox Secure Win Against Tigers with Key Plays from Benintendi and Grichuk

The Detroit Tigers decided to intentionally walk Miguel Vargas, setting up a pivotal lefty-lefty matchup in the seventh inning on Saturday. Drew Sommers, a reliever for the Tigers, faced Chicago White Sox’s designated hitter Andrew Benintendi at Comerica Park.

Just get something up and put it in play.

Benintendi explained his approach, noting Sommers’ unique arm slot and hard-throwing style. He focused on the inside pitch, ultimately hitting a single that flew past diving shortstop Kevin McGonigle into left field. This hit was crucial, allowing White Sox’s Randal Grichuk to score the go-ahead run. Grichuk, who began the inning with a double, crossed home plate in front of 33,119 spectators, giving the White Sox a 4-3 victory over the Tigers.

Sox manager Will Venable praised Benintendi, remarking on the limited options off the bench and the strategic decision to let Benintendi bat against the left-hander. This victory enabled the first-place White Sox (64-58) to extend their lead in the American League Central, while the Tigers (60-63) fell 4.5 games behind in the standings.

Key Moments of the Game

The game started with White Sox’s Braden Montgomery delivering a two-out RBI single, putting his team ahead. The Tigers quickly retaliated with an RBI single by Eduardo Valencia in the bottom of the first. Colson Montgomery, hitless in his previous 11 at-bats, gave the Sox a lead once more in the third with a two-out, two-run double.

Manager Venable highlighted Colson Montgomery’s persistence, commending his nine-pitch at-bat that resulted in the critical hit. After Valencia’s fourth-inning homer, the score tightened as Gleyber Torres’ RBI double in the fifth brought the game to a 3-3 tie. Sox starter Anthony Kay acknowledged his performance, discussing how he found his rhythm after an initial struggle.

Sealing the Victory

The White Sox regained the lead permanently in the seventh with Grichuk’s leadoff double and Benintendi’s decisive hit. Noteworthy performances from Sox relievers included Jordan Hicks, who struck out three in 1 2/3 hitless innings for the win. Following him, Grant Taylor and Bryan Hudson secured the victory, Hudson earning his fifth save.

Hicks, described by Venable as electric, has consistently impressed, providing crucial innings. The Sox bounced back from a series loss to the Cincinnati Reds by securing key wins in this division matchup.

Roster Moves

The Sox made adjustments to their roster before Saturday’s game by adding catcher Jake Rogers and optioning catcher Edgar Quero to Triple-A Charlotte. Venable highlighted Quero’s progress, notably his defensive improvements. Rogers, having played six major-league seasons with the Tigers, received warm applause from the crowd during his at-bat.