Chase Meidroth hit a two-run homer for the Chicago White Sox, and Sam Antonacci’s two-run double highlighted a 2-for-4 performance as the hosts waited around to get a crucial 8-1 victory Sunday over the Detroit Tigers.
Rain delayed the start of Sunday’s game by nearly four hours, and wet, blustery conditions lingered throughout the evening. Still, the White Sox found ways to scratch out runs.
With their third win in the four-game set, the White Sox (80-76) remained a game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central race. Chicago also extended its lead over the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros to three games for the third and final AL wild-card spot.
Five pitchers held the Tigers (73-83) to six hits and five walks as Detroit was held to a single run for the third time in the series. Huascar Brazoban (6-2), reinstated prior to the game from the 15-day injured list (left lat strain), pitched for the first time since Aug. 24. He allowed a hit in one inning to get his first victory with the White Sox. His last win came on July 29, when he pitched for the New York Mets.
Braden Montgomery also enjoyed a 2-for-4 night, and his second-inning double off Tigers starter Troy Melton (8-5) scored Meidroth, giving the White Sox a 1-0 lead. The White Sox added three in the fourth, all coming with two outs. Antonacci’s double came off Melton, who then departed afterward with a trainer.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters after the game that his starter told him his arm ached, and Melton will be examined.
Melton allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings, giving up four hits and three walks. Detroit pitchers allowed eight walks, with White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas (1-for-2) drawing three of them.
Meidroth homered in the next inning before a Max Clark sacrifice fly got the Tigers on the board in the top of the eighth.
Chicago responded with a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning.
Chicago starter Davis Martin pitched 4 1/3 innings of shutout ball, striking out six while allowing three hits and two walks.
Eduardo Valencia went 3-for-4 for Detroit, which was officially eliminated from postseason contention with the loss. Cleveland’s 1-0 win over the Athletics earlier Sunday also ended the Tigers’ quest for their first AL Central title since 2014.
