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Tigers Edge White Sox 3-2 on Andy Ibanez's 9th-Inning RBI
Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports

Tigers Edge White Sox 3-2 on Andy Ibanez's 9th-Inning RBI

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net  |  By Besnik Zekiri  |  Last updated 3/31/24

The Detroit Tigers topped the Chicago White Sox 3-2 in Sunday's series finale to sweep the three-game season-opening set. Erick Fedde and Jack Flaherty debuted for their respective teams in a game that featured four solo homers. The South Siders tied the game at two apiece on Paul DeJong's seventh-inning homer, but Andy Ibanez's RBI single in the ninth sealed the victory for the Tigers.

While inefficient in his first start, Erick Fedde flashed the potential the White Sox saw in him when they signed him to a two-year deal over the offseason. The righty fanned seven while allowing five hits and two runs in 4.2 innings. He required 93 pitches to record 14 outs in his first MLB start since 2022.

Fedde hung a 3-2 sweeper to Kerry Carpenter to lead off the fourth inning, and the Tigers' right fielder drilled a solo shot to even the score at one. The KBO star labored through 32 pitches in the frame but managed to escape a jam when he struck out Javy Baez to strand two runners.

Outpitched

In the fifth, Fede left another sweeper in the middle of the plate on a 3-2 pitch that Jake Rogers belted for a homer.

Flaherty outdueled the Sox starter, surrendering only one run and four hits while fanning seven. He tossed six innings and 87 pitches, with Korey Lee's solo homer as the only blemish on the day.

White Sox shortstop Paul DeJong provided some hope and fireworks in the seventh by belting a solo homer off lefty reliever Andrew Chafin. The homer accounted for the only run allowed by the Tigers bullpen in the series.

Coming Up Short

The White Sox bullpen didn't hold for the second straight game despite nice work from Tanner Banks and John Brebbia. Michael Kopech dominated Tigers hitters with an impressive 1.2 innings in which he hurled 16 strikes in 17 pitches.

The Tigers scratched across the decisive run against a duo of former San Diego Padres, Steven Wilson and Tim Hill. Wilson got the first two outs of the ninth but allowed a hit and a walk before Hill relieved him. Hill allowed the game-winning single to Ibanez, and Wilson was charged with the run and took the loss.

News and Notes

Eloy Jimenez exited the game after grounding out in the sixth inning. The severity of the injury, a left adductor strain, is unknown at this time. However, it appears the White Sox are prepared to call up Lenyn Sosa from Triple-A Charlotte, which likely means an impending injured-list stint for Jimenez.

The White Sox DH went 0-4 with runners in scoring position and stranded six runners in the series. He left Andrew Benintendi stranded on second in the first with an inning-ending groundout. Jimenez then stuck out looking in the third to end the inning, leaving Yoan Moncada on base. Moncada doubled with one out and advanced to third on a groundout.

What's On Tap Next?

Another White Sox offseason acquisition, Chris Flexen , is scheduled to make his team debut on Monday when the Atlanta Braves visit Guaranteed Rate Field. Flexen will face Braves' veteran righty Charlie Morton. First pitch is at 1:10 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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