J.D. Martinez's blast powers Tigers
DETROIT -- J.D. Martinez blasted a go-ahead, solo home run in his first at-bat since June 16, lifting the Detroit Tigers to their eighth straight victory -- a 2-1 decision over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday at Comerica Park.
Martinez, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day, jumped on the first offering from White Sox ace Chris Sale in the eighth inning. The left-center field blast was the second career pinch-hit home run by Martinez, who had been sidelined with a fractured right elbow.
His only other pinch homer came on May 19, 2014 against Cleveland.
Shane Greene (2-2) picked up the victory with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, including two strikeouts. Francisco Rodriguez escaped a bases-loaded jam to notch his 30th save in his 900th career appearance. He's the 25th pitcher in major league history to have 900 appearances.
Detroit starter Michael Fulmer held the White Sox to one run on five hits over 6 2/3 innings but wound up with his fourth straight no-decision.
Nick Castellanos drove in the other Tigers run with a double.
Sale (14-5) pitched a complete game, giving up two runs on six hits with a season-high 10 strikeouts. He had retired 11 straight batters before Martinez's home run.
Justin Morneau hit his third homer for Chicago.
The Tigers broke through with a run in the fourth.
Miguel Cabrera led off with a double. After a walk to Victor Martinez, Castellanos blooped a double to right, knocking in Cabrera. The Tigers failed to push any more runs across that inning as Justin Upton struck out and Martinez was thrown out trying to score on Mike Aviles' short fly out.
Morneau tied it with his two-out solo homer in the seventh. He blasted a three-run homer off Fulmer in Chicago on July 22.
Following the long ball, Fulmer walked his only batter and hit Avisail Garcia with a pitch. Detroit manager Brad Ausmus brought in Greene, who struck out Dioner Navarro.
NOTES: White Sox CF Charlie Tilson was placed on the 15-day disabled list and will undergo season-ending surgery on Thursday to repair a torn left hamstring, manager Robin Ventura announced. Tilson was injured in his major-league debut on Tuesday while chasing after a Miguel Cabrera double. "It's crazy. It's unfortunate," Ventura said. "You feel for the kid." ... Chicago recalled OF J.B. Shuck from Triple-A Charlotte. Shuck was optioned to the minors the previous day to make room for Tilson. ... Detroit RF J.D. Martinez (fractured right elbow) was activated from the 15-day disabled list but was not in the starting lineup. He's expected to start Thursday's matinee. Martinez batted .278 with five RBIs during eight rehab games with Triple-A Toledo. ... Tigers RHP Justin Verlander was named American League Pitcher of the Month for July. He compiled a 4-0 record with a 1.69 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings over six starts.