The Detroit Tigers appeared to level the score in the sixth inning during Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. Sean Burke’s pitch evaded catcher Kyle Teel on a strike, allowing Riley Greene to sprint home safely. The Sox promptly requested a review, sensing something amiss in the play.
Collectively, it looked like a strange play,
manager Will Venable noted. Upon review, the ball touched batter Brett Callahan. The play was declared dead, continuing Callahan’s at-bat and returning Greene to third base. Burke capitalized on this by striking out Callahan.
In front of 30,631 spectators at Rate Field, Burke’s performance was pivotal in the White Sox’s 3-1 victory. Venable praised Burke, One of those days where you really need Burke to step up. He covered a lot of innings and gave us a chance to win.
Burke allowed just one run on five hits over six innings. He struck out five and issued three walks in a 97-pitch outing.
Burke was the first Sox pitcher to achieve a quality start since August 21 against the New York Mets. I knew we’d have to fight for runs today,
said Burke. With seven games left, the Sox lead the Houston Astros by two games for the final AL wild-card spot and trail the Cleveland Guardians by one game for first place in the AL Central.
Saturday’s match began earlier than planned due to expected poor weather, but Burke adapted effectively. Miguel Vargas supported Burke both offensively and defensively. Celebrating as he rounded the bases, Vargas achieved a solo home run, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs. By stealing second base in the first inning, Vargas became the first in Sox history with at least 30 doubles, 30 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 100 runs in one season.
Vargas contributes consistently,
Venable added. He highlighted Vargas’ individual growth throughout the season. In the fourth inning, Vargas made a crucial diving stop to retire Dillon Dingler, showcasing his defensive efforts.
The Tigers managed a run in the fifth, courtesy of a Kevin McGonigle sacrifice fly. The Sox reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Braden Montgomery scored on Sam Antonacci’s sacrifice fly. Vargas then extended the lead with his 33rd home run of the season in the sixth inning.
Noah Schultz and Grant Taylor preserved the lead. Schultz pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, yielding two hits and striking out four. Winning games is our primary goal,
Schultz remarked. Taylor secured the final 1 1/3 innings for his 10th save, as the Sox rebounded from an 11-8 loss the previous day.
Vargas concluded, This team perseveres. We fight every day and for every inning. That’s our identity throughout the season.