White Sox’s Sean Burke Stifles Tigers, Securing 4-0 Win

Sean Burke masterfully navigated through a five-inning performance, surrendering just two hits, while Andrew Benintendi slammed his 20th home run, matching his career-best in the Chicago White Sox’s 4-0 triumph over the playoff-primed Detroit Tigers on Saturday. This victory keeps the White Sox’s loss count at a steady 121 as they approach their season’s final game.

The Emergence of Sean Burke

In his fourth major league outing, Burke (2-0) fanned six batters and gave up three walks, effectively putting an end to Detroit’s impressive six-game winning run. The Tigers managed to put two runners on base in each of the opening innings, but Burke tightened his grip over the next three, allowing just a single baserunner.

Detroit’s manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged the missed opportunities, saying, “We had a couple of chances early to change his day. They got someone warming up early since his pitch count was 30 in the first, but we couldn’t really capitalize.”

Burke, a Massachusetts native and Maryland college ball alumnus, came off a solid performance against San Diego, holding them to a single run and two hits over six innings. Despite the challenging weather on Saturday, he remained unfazed, stating, “It’s nothing I haven’t pitched in before. After the first two innings, I kind of settled in.”

Strong Support from White Sox’s Pitchers and Hitters

Michael Soroka provided stellar support, denying any Tiger from reaching base and striking out five over three innings. Gus Varland wrapped up the game with a three-hit shutout, marking the White Sox’s seventh of the season.

Andrew Benintendi showcased his prowess at the plate, doubling and crossing home twice. Bryan Ramos also launched a solo home run for the White Sox. Meanwhile, Jackson Jobe, Detroit’s promising 22-year-old right-hander, impressed with a hitless three-inning relief performance.

Late Surge from the White Sox

Following a two-hour, 20-minute weather delay, Ramos sent one deep in the second off Beau Brieske (4-5). Andrew Vaughn contributed with an RBI single in the sixth against Ty Madden. After Zach DeLoach earned a leadoff walk in the eighth, Benintendi crushed a two-run homer, equaling his 2017 tally during his debut season with Boston.

Despite the setback for the Tigers, who recently secured their first postseason berth since 2014, Hinch remained optimistic. “We’re going to chalk this up and bounce back tomorrow. We have a chance to win the series and finish the regular season on a much better note.”

Looking Ahead

White Sox’s RHP Jonathan Cannon (4-10, 4.37 ERA) is set to start against an as-yet-unnamed Tigers pitcher on Sunday.