White Sox 7, Tigers 6
CHICAGO -- Melky Cabrera drove in four runs -- three of them on a game-tying, eighth-inning home run -- and Avisail Garcia knocked in the winning run later in the eighth to give the Chicago White Sox a dramatic 7-6 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.
The White Sox were just four outs from a 6-3 defeat before they rallied. Second baseman Micah Johnson, who had three hits, started things with a two-out single, and center fielder Adam Eaton followed with a walk. Cabrera, Chicago's left fielder, then launched a long homer over the right field fence against reliever Joba Chamberlain (0-1) to tie the score at 6.
It was Cabrera's first homer of the season. Before Wednesday, he had just six RBIs on the season.
Chicago wasn't through. First baseman Jose Abreu singled and went to third on a base hit by designated hitter Adam LaRoche. Garcia then stroked a single to center to give the White Sox the lead.
Closer David Robertson pitched the ninth inning to earn his fifth save of the season. Zach Putnam (1-1) got the win despite giving up a run in his lone inning.
Detroit designated hitter Victor Martinez snapped out of an early-season funk with a home run and four RBIs. He provided the Tigers with the 6-3 lead in the eighth with a run-scoring single.
The comeback bailed out Chicago starter Chris Sale, who allowed five runs on seven hits and five walks in 5 1/3 innings. It was the second consecutive subpar outing for the left-hander, who was roughed up for eight runs on nine hits in three innings at Minnesota on April 30.
Detroit starter Alfredo Simon limited to Chicago to three runs on five hits and four walks in five innings.
White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie hit a solo homer in the second inning.
NOTES: Tigers RHP Justin Verlander had an MRI exam Wednesday that showed the inflammation around his right triceps has subsided. He was cleared to start throwing and played catch for about 50 tosses before the game. "He was more than just lobbing it," manager Brad Ausmus said. "He was actually throwing it and said he felt fine." ... White Sox RHP Jeff Samardzija, who won the series opener Tuesday, dropped the appeal of his five-game suspension stemming from the brawl with the Royals last month and began serving it the penalty Wednesday. He's eligible to return Monday at Milwaukee. ... Because Samardzija's next start was pushed back a day, rookie LHP Carlos Rodon will make his first major league start Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. ... Chicago designated RHP Javy Guerra for assignment. He spent the past three weeks on the disabled list after pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings early this season.