White Sox at Tigers
J.D. Martinez continued his remarkable power surge by belting the go-ahead homer to help the Detroit Tigers even their four-game series with the Chicago White Sox at one victory apiece. Martinez, who has gone deep six times in his last five games, looks to continue his offensive barrage when the American League Central rivals reconvene at Comerica Park on Saturday.
Martinez has 11 RBIs and seven runs scored in his last five contests and has gone deep once in eight career at-bats versus Saturday starter John Danks. Miguel Cabrera collected three doubles on Friday to improve to 10-for-20 with four runs scored during his five-game hitting streak for the Tigers, who have won four of their last six. The AL-worst White Sox haven't helped themselves on the road, going 3-10 in their last 13 to fall to 4-13 away from home versus division rivals. "I told my mother I wouldn't cuss in the newspaper any more, so I can't tell you," Chicago executive vice president Kenny Williams told MLB.com when asked of the team's level of frustration.
TV: 4:08 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH John Danks (3-8, 5.38 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Kyle Ryan (1-1, 4.56)
Danks suffered his fourth straight loss in brutal fashion on Monday, allowing a season-high nine runs (five earned) on as many hits and three homers in 5 1/3 innings in a 13-2 setback to Minnesota. The 30-year-old has permitted 22 runs and 33 hits during his losing skid, which began with a dismal outing versus Detroit. Danks yielded five runs on a campaign-high 11 hits in just 4 2/3 frames to take the loss and fall to 6-11 in his career against the Tigers.
Ryan will get another crack at the White Sox, against whom he allowed two runs on three hits in seven innings in a no-decision on June 5. The 23-year-old will make his fourth start of the season, but has struggled in each of his last three outings. Ryan yielded three homers to take the loss on June 16 before getting touched for five runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings of relief in his last two appearances.
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit 2B Ian Kinsler is 3-for-10 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored in the series.
2. Chicago SS Alexei Ramirez is 5-for-41 in his last 11 contests.
3. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander (back) is expected to participate in a bullpen session on Saturday.