On Friday night in Detroit, the White Sox managed to wring out as many earned runs in a single inning as Justin Verlander had given up in his last 56 innings combined. They added more to this four run total throughout the game and managed to take game one of their series against the Tigers 8-2.
Verlander started out the game strong, getting seven straight outs without allowing a base runner. Then, the Sox offense came alive as they strung together three singles in the top of the third inning to score their first run. A fly out was then followed by a walk and two more RBI singles, including one by struggling hitter Adam Dunn. By the time the inning was over, the Sox found themselves up 4-0.
Detroit would close the gap a little bit the next inning, as a ball that got by A.J. Pierzynski, allowing Magglio Ordonez to take first base on what would have been a swinging strikeout, set up Miguel Cabrera’s 19th home run of the season, a two run shot to left field.
But Floyd would settle down after giving up those two runs, and pitch 7.2 strong innings, giving up just those runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out five. The Sox offense kept the pressure on Detroit, adding another run to their total by taking advantage of a fielding error by Ryan Raburn in the top of the fifth inning.
After chasing Verlander from the game, Chicago managed to add three more runs in the seventh inning as they strung together more RBI hits off of relievers Lester Oliveros and David Purcey. Brian Bruney and Will Ohman then managed to close out the game for the Sox, preserving the win for Gavin Floyd.
The second game of the series will be on Saturday afternoon in Detroit. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 P.M., CDT.