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.

LSJ Logo incertWith 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.Eye on the D

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.