White Sox incredible sweep of Tigers deals huge blow to Detroit's recent resurgence

After a frustrating series loss at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds, it felt like the White Sox were in a precarious position. With the division lead down to 2.5 games and the surging Tigers next on the schedule, this past weekend seemed like a turning point for the White Sox season. The White Sox responded in a big way, sweeping the Tigers and halting all momentum from Detroit. The White Sox are now in the best position they’ve been all year, and fans are starting to think about the Postseason being a real possibility. 

Friday night’s game looked like a lopsided matchup in favor of the Tigers on paper, with standout young pitcher Jackson Jobe on the hill against a White Sox bullpen game. But the offense stepped up, launching four home runs, including two from All-Star Miguel Vargas, to take the series opener. Troy Melton, who has dominated hitters all year, took the mound for Detroit on Saturday, but the White Sox hit him around more than any team has this season. Despite stranding several runners and missing a few opportunities, the White Sox offense did just enough and the bullpen backed a solid outing from Anthony Kay to take the series. 

With breakout star Sean Burke taking the hill on Sunday, White Sox fans felt great about their chances. Burke didn’t have near his best stuff, and the White Sox found themselves down by three as the game reached its middle innings. The offense continued what they’ve done all year and battled, eventually taking the lead and handing the ball to Sean Newcomb, who shut the Tigers down over 2.1 innings to wrap up the sweep. 

The weekend results were nearly the perfect outcome for the White Sox

Thanks to a Phillies sweep over the Twins and the Padres winning two out of three from Cleveland, the White Sox head into Monday’s action with their largest AL Central lead of the season at 5.5 games. While it’s not over by any means, it’s a substantial gap with 39 games remaining. Let’s say the White Sox go 20-19 in their last 39 games, that would require Detroit to go 26-12 over their final 38 to overtake the White Sox. While that’s not impossible, it’s a very tall task. The White Sox are in the driver’s seat, and it’s time to start seriously thinking about the playoffs. 

To most evaluators, it’s a surprise that the Tigers are even in this position to begin with. Detroit, who was the heavy favorite to win the AL Central heading into the season, hasn’t had the type of season they hoped to have, and made the decision to deal away two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal as well as former first overall pick Casey Mize at the trade deadline. Both players are free agents at the end of the season and Detroit elected to trade them rather than lose them for nothing. Even after those trades, Detroit found themselves right back in the mix entering the weekend. But all momentum has been halted.

The White Sox are in a great position, but they can’t take their foot off the gas. They still have four games remaining against the Tigers as well as three each against the Guardians and Twins. The home stretch is here and the White Sox have continued to defy the preseason odds. I don’t expect the Tigers, Twins, or Guardians to just go away, but as long as the White Sox continue to take care of business, we could have Postseason baseball on the south side of Chicago. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow