Tigers Edge White Sox 4-3 with Late Inning Heroics

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers secured a narrow 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night, thanks to home runs from Matt Vierling and Kerry Carpenter. Tarik Skubal, making his second start after a stint on the injured list, pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up three runs and seven hits while walking one.

Drew Anderson (3-3) was credited with the win after a strong relief performance, allowing just one hit over 1 1/3 innings. Kenley Jansen closed out the game, earning his eighth save, a crucial win for Detroit, who had struggled recently with four losses in five games.

In a notable debut, rookie Trei Cruz made his mark by hitting in all three of his at-bats. Batting ninth and playing right field, he became part of a unique legacy as he joined his grandfather, Jose Sr., and father, Jose Jr., as the fifth trio across generations to play in Major League Baseball. They join other notable families, including the Bells and the Boones.

For the White Sox, Randal Grichuk made an impact with a home run and a double, while Junior Perez marked his first major league home run. The game saw an early lead for Chicago when Grichuk homered in the first inning, but Vierling quickly responded with a two-run shot off opener Brandon Eisert, pushing Detroit ahead 2-1.

The White Sox managed to tie the game at 2 with an RBI groundout from Tristan Peters. However, after a solo homer from Perez gave Chicago a 3-2 lead in the sixth, Carpenter's two-run double in the bottom of the inning shifted the momentum back to Detroit.

As the series continues, the Tigers are set to face a Chicago bullpen game, with right-hander Troy Melton (3-0, 2.81) on the mound for Detroit on Saturday.