Matt Vierling had two hits and two RBIs, including a go-ahead, run-scoring single in the seventh inning, to lift the visiting Detroit Tigers to a 5-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday.
Detroit won for the eighth time in 11 games. Riley Greene added a pair of hits while four pitchers combined on four innings of scoreless relief.
Jason Foley needed just four pitches to complete a perfect ninth and earn his 17th save.
Chicago suffered its major league-worst 98th defeat. The White Sox had nine hits, sparked by a 3-for-4 effort from Korey Lee. Luis Robert Jr. and Gavin Sheets contributed two hits apiece.
The Tigers delivered in the clutch, however, as Vierling and Keith had RBI singles in the seventh to snap a 2-all tie. White Sox reliever Fraser Ellard (1-2) was charged with both runs in his one-third of an inning.
Zach McKinstry’s pinch-hit RBI single in the ninth provided the final margin. Will Vest (3-4) was the winner with 1 1/3 innings of one-hit relief.
Detroit jumped on White Sox starter Chris Flexen in the first inning. Vierling followed Greene’s one-out double with an RBI double.
Dillon Dingler gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead with a run-scoring single in the second inning. The White Sox answered in the bottom half with an RBI single from Lenyn Sosa, then tied the score on Lee’s RBI double in the fourth.
Tigers starter Keider Montero took a no-decision after scattering two runs and six hits in five innings. The rookie right-hander, who was facing Chicago for the first time, walked two and struck out four. He has pitched at least five innings in 10 consecutive starts.
Flexen threw six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks, striking out five. He delivered his first quality start since July 29. In his three starts before Friday, Flexen had allowed 12 runs (10 earned) in 9 2/3 innings.
Chicago has lost 19 straight games Flexen has started since May.
Detroit placed infielder Javier Baez on the 10-day injured list before the game with lumbar spine and hip inflammation.
The Tigers improved to 6-1 against the White Sox this season.
–Field Level Media
