On Sunday, the Detroit Tigers emerged victorious with a score of 3-2 against the Chicago White Sox, thanks to Sawyer Gipson-Long’s successful debut in the major leagues. Additionally, Spencer Torkelson contributed to their win by hitting a two-run double during the third inning, which resulted in a three-run lead for the Tigers.
“I cannot reword.”
Torkelson achieved two hits for the Tigers, who have had a record of 5 wins and 1 loss against Chicago in the past two weekends. They emerged victorious in the overall season series with a score of 8-5, after previously struggling with a 21-45 record against the White Sox from 2019-22.
Gipson-Long threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs and four hits. Four relievers finished for Detroit, with Alex Lange pitching the ninth for his 23rd save.
“He possessed exceptional skills, making it challenging to face him for the first time,” commented Pedro Grifol, the manager of the White Sox, regarding Gipson-Long. “This adds another talented pitcher to their roster. They have a promising group of young starters.”
Jesse Scholtens (1-8) suffered the defeat, surrendering three runs on eight hits and two walks within a span of five innings.
PHOTOS: Gipson-Long wins MLB debut, Torkelson hits 2-run double as the Tigers beat the White Sox 3-2
In the third inning, the Tigers gained an advantage. Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling initiated the inning with singles, and Torkelson then delivered a double that resulted in two runs.
“I cannot reword”
Andre Lipcius extended the lead to 3-0 by hitting a single that brought in a run. However, Scholtens managed to escape the inning by catching a line drive and quickly throwing the ball to third base, resulting in Andy Ibanez being called out.
“I find it extremely frustrating to experience an inning of that nature,” expressed Scholtens. “The opposing team managed to hit the ball in such a way that it found openings. The only option left is to persist in executing your pitches.”
In the fourth inning, Chicago managed to score a run after Andrew Benintendi hit a triple and Eloy Jiménez followed with a double, allowing Benintendi to cross home plate.
The White Sox started the sixth with a double and a single, bringing Will Vest out of the bullpen. Benintendi lined out to deep right-center, moving Lenyn Sosa to third, and Luis Robert Jr. followed with an RBI single.
Vest allowed Jiménez to reach base, loading all the bases, but Yasmani Grandal’s hit resulted in a double play that ended the inning and maintained the score at 3-2.
“(Grandal) made solid contact with the ball towards the center, which is desirable in that situation,” Grifol stated. “However, it unfortunately struck the pitcher’s glove, rebounded off the mound, and landed directly in the hands of their player.”
“There are limited options available for activities in that place.”
Chicago failed to acquire any additional baserunner.
END OF THE ROAD
The White Sox have accepted the fact that they have been eliminated from postseason contention due to their loss, which has been evident for several months.
“It has been a disappointing season,” Grifol expressed. “We had anticipated great outcomes at the beginning of the year, but now we have shifted our attention towards ensuring that we observe and prepare for the upcoming year as thoroughly as possible.”
“We are continuously striving to emerge victorious in each game, while also analyzing the functioning of the major league.”
UP NEXT
The White Sox return home to begin a three-game series with last-place Kansas City. RHP Dylan Cease (6-7, 4.98 ERA) starts the opener Monday.
Detroit is off Monday before beginning a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds. LHP Joey Wentz (2-11, 6.65) is scheduled to pitch Tuesday.
