June 10: Tigers 2, White Sox 1
John Danks returned to form, but Justin Verlander was already there. So were the Sox bats.
The Detroit ace outdueled the White Sox southpaw with nine strong innings to Danks’ seven, going the distance for the second time this year while sending the White Sox to another disappointing loss.
And the game might’ve turned on another blown call.
With runners on first and third and one out in the sixth, Danks started Brandon Inge with an inside fastball that breezed by Inge’s elbow. Problem was, Brian Runge said it clipped him, and that loaded the bases. Danks ended up walking in a run thanks to the packed sacks, and while he struck out Adam Everett (who hit a solo homer) and Dane Sardinha to end the inning, the Tigers had all the runs they needed.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a close loss without the Sox blowing a couple chances. Or more accurately, Alexei Ramirez.
Brian Anderson stood on third base with one out in the sixth after leading off with a double, and advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Scott Podsednik. Up came Ramirez, who popped up a 1-2 curve, failing to score Anderson. Jermaine Dye struck out looking to end the inning.
In the eighth, Ramirez had a chance to redeem himself with Chris Getz standing on third and two outs, but he had perhaps the worst at-bat of anybody all year. Three curveballs, all out of the zone, all miserable swings.
And speaking of miserable swings, Paul Konerko had to leave the game after jamming himself badly enough to bruise his hand on an inside heater. Josh Fields had to take over, and he ended up swinging through two fastballs to end the game.
A mammoth Jim Thome homer provided the Sox’s only run.
Record: 27-33 | Box score | Play-by-play
