By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
Tigers 2, White Sox 1 – J.D Martinez’ return from the disabled list may have been the moment of the season for the Detroit Tigers.
With the score tied 1-1 in the eighth inning, J.D. Martinez stepped up to the plate in a pinch hit role and blasted the first pitch to centerfield for the game-winning home run to lead Detroit over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.
The Tigers, who are currently on an eight-game winning streak, improved to 59-48 on the season. They are closing in on the American League Central Division leading Cleveland Indians and currently tied for the final wild card playoff spot.
Ian Kinsler paced Detroit with two hits while Nick Castellanos chipped in with an RBI double.
Detroit’s starting pitcher Michael Fulmer took a no-decision, allowing one run on five hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Relief pitcher Shane Greene picked up the win while closer Francisco Rodriguez notched his 30th season of the season.
The White Sox were led in a losing effort by Todd Frazier with two hits, which included a double, while Justin Morneau added a solo homer.
Detroit will look for its 11th sweep of the season with a win against the White Sox on Thursday afternoon.
Record: 59-48
Tied for 2nd Place in AL Central Division (2.5 games behind first-place Cleveland)
Tied with Boston for the last playoff spot
Magic # to clinch a playoff spot: 59
Magic # to clinch an AL Central Division title: 61
Next Game: 08/03/2016 vs. Chicago White Sox 1:10 p.m. @ Comerica Park
Hitting stats: J.D. Martinez HR (13) RBI (40), Nick Castellanos 2B (23) RBI (58), Miguel Cabrera 2B (21).
Pitching stats: Shane Greene W (2-2) 1.1 IP 5 H 0 R 0 ER 0 BB 2 K, Francisco Rodriguez SV (30) 1 IP 1 H 0 R 0 ER 2 BB 1 K, Michael Fulmer 6.2 IP 5 H 1 R 1 ER 1 BB 4 K.