CHICAGO — Shane Smith delivered a dominant performance on the mound, leading the Chicago White Sox to an 8-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night and ending a four-game losing streak.
Michael A. Taylor shone at the plate, launching a home run and driving in four runs for the White Sox, who had previously struggled, losing seven of their last eight games. Smith (2-3) was impressive, striking out six batters and not allowing a run in 5 1/3 innings to claim his first win since April 24.
This triumph marked the White Sox’s first home win against the Tigers since June 4, 2023. They had previously endured a franchise-record 11 consecutive home losses to Detroit. The Tigers’ lone run came from a RBI double by Dillon Dingler in the seventh inning. The AL Central leaders, Detroit, had won seven of their last eight games, including a rout in the series opener.
Taylor, taking over center field duties for the day as Luis Robert Jr. took a day off to fine-tune his batting techniques, contributed significantly. Chicago surged to a 4-0 advantage in the sixth inning when Taylor crushed a three-run homer off Tyler Holton. This marked his third homer of the season.
Later in the seventh, Austin Slater extended the White Sox’s lead with a two-run double against Dylan Smith during a bullpen game for Detroit. The Tigers struggled offensively, going just 1 for 8 with runners in scoring positions and leaving nine runners stranded on base.
The White Sox gained the lead initially in the fourth inning when Brenan Hanifee, who replaced Brant Hurter (2-1), committed a throwing error, setting up Taylor’s bases-loaded walk.
The Tigers made a late push in the eighth inning, loading the bases with one out, but Wenceel Pérez struck out against Brandon Eisert, and Dingler lined out to right field, negating their rally.
The White Sox have faced challenges within their division, improving their record to 3-15 against AL Central teams this season after struggling to 10-42 last year. Looking ahead, Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long is slated to make his season debut on Wednesday as he returns from elbow and hip surgeries. Meanwhile, the White Sox plan to utilize a bullpen day for their pitching strategy.