Detroit Tigers: Erase four-run lead, beat White Sox, 5-4

It was an uncharacteristically poor start for Detroit Tigers ace David Price, but luckily the offense bailed him out.

The Tigers rallied to score four runs in the eighth to tie the game at four, and in the ninth, catcher James McCann hit a walk-off solo homer to lift Detroit to a, 5-4, victory at Comerica Park on Sunday.

It was McCann’s second walk-off home run of the season, which came in a 0-2 count versus White Sox relief pitcher Zach Putnam. McCann was 2-for-4 in the game and in addition to scoring the winning run, he also scored Detroit’s first run in the eighth.

More from Motor City Bengals

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

McCann started the frame with a single to left field off White Sox starter Jeff Samardzija. It was only Detroit’s third hit of the game, but shortstop Jose Iglesias walked in the next at-bat,  center fielder Anthony Gose singled to load the bases, and then second baseman Ian Kinsler took a hit-by-pitch to bring home McCann.

That brought up first baseman Miguel Cabrera with the bases loaded and no one out.

To the dread of Tigers fans, Samardzija gassed three fastballs passed Cabrera for the first out. Even with designated hitter Victor Martinez coming to the plate, it was a big first out for Samardzija as a double play would get him out of the jam.

But the 36-year-old came through with a bases-clearing double to tie the game. Martinez was 1-for-4 with three RBI on Sunday. McCann was the only Tigers hitter with multiple hits.

As mentioned previously, Price was not particularly sharp versus the White Sox. He allowed four runs on six hits in six innings, striking out five and walking none. He yielded three extra-base hits in those six frames, which were a double to Jose Abreu, triple to Adam Eaton and home run to Melky Cabrera.

But the Tigers received great pitching from relief pitchers Alex Wilson, Tom Gorzelanny, and Joakim Soria, who combined to throw three scoreless innings. Soria struck out a batter in the ninth and captured his third victory of the season.

The victory gave Detroit the series win over Chicago. The Tigers are 7-5 versus the White Sox this season. Detroit will have an off day on Monday and then welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Comerica Park on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s projected starters are Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole.

Next: Detroit Tigers Should Focus on Right Moves, Not Big Moves