White Sox: Have the momentum to win Players’ Weekend series

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Lucas Giolito #27 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on August 25, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The teams are wearing their Players Weekend jerseys and hats. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Lucas Giolito #27 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on August 25, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The teams are wearing their Players Weekend jerseys and hats. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

The White Sox lost the first game of the four-game series and trailed through the majority of Friday’s game. But the momentum quickly changed.

But, with a big late-inning rally on Friday and a dominant win on Saturday, the White Sox are looking to take the series over the AL Central rivals. And, the Sox could take the series with Michael Kopech on the mound.

Friday’s win was unexpected and exciting. Michael Fulmer pitched against Reynaldo Lopez and Fulmer had the advantage. But, once he departed, the Tigers bullpen looked to be just as strong, until Joe Jimenez could not get outs. He was replaced by the Tigers closer, Shane Greene, who was just as unsuccessful.

By the time the 8th inning was over, the Sox scored six runs and blew open the game 6-3. Matt Davidson bookended the inning and he was responsible for first and the final out of the inning. Omar Narvaez, Adam Engel, Carlos Sanchez, Yoan Moncada, Avisail Garcia, and Ryan LaMarre all crossed home plate in that inning.

No one scored in the ninth and that was fine. That’s why there are nine innings.

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On Saturday, the White Sox took the lead early in the game and kept it all the way through. Lucas Giolito pitched a complete gem of a game, going seven innings and only giving up one run (a home run) off of three hits. The Tigers earned their fourth hit off of Dylan Covey who pitched the final two innings. Sox pitching completely dominated and the team manufactured runs to complement the fine work on the mound. This win gave Giolito a record of 10-9. He and Carlos Rodon are the only starting pitchers with winning records.

Again, the Sox scored six runs off of the Tigers. Kevan Smith hit his first home run of the season off of Ryan Carpenter. Tim Anderson, Avisail Garcia, Daniel Palka, Matt Davidson, and Yoan Moncada also crossed home plate. Enjoy Smith’s home run via MLB.com:

On another positive note, Rick Renteria returned to the dugout for Friday’s game. The skipper reportedly was given the all-clear to get back to work. He applauded Joe McEwing‘s work in his absence.

The team faces the Tigers again on Sunday afternoon. The matinee game will feature Michael Kopech pitching against veteran Jordan Zimmermann.

Schedule