Tigers 6, White Sox 1: Detroit rolls to easy win in Chicago

A chilly day in Chicago was just fine by the Detroit Tigers, as the Tigers beat the White Sox 6-1. Gametime temperature was 32 degrees F (0 C), but at least it was sunny, right?

Michael Fulmer flirted with trouble in a couple of innings but finished the day with 5 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched, allowing no runs and six hits, and striking out four. His control eluded him at times, with three walks — and his cause wasn’t helped much by home plate umpire James Hoye, putting the squeeze on Fulmer more than once. He threw 92 pitches, 56 for strikes.

Miguel Cabrera drove in three runs with a two-run single in the third and what turned into a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the fifth. He may only have one home run so far this season, but he’s making solid contact. Will the home runs follow when mercury climbs? We’ll see, but I’m personally cautiously optimistic that they will.

Alex Wilson replaced Fulmer with one out in the sixth and pitched 1 ²⁄₃ innings. He has gone 3 ²⁄₃, 1 ²⁄₃ and 1 ²⁄₃ innings in his three outings so far this season. Granted, the first was the extra-innings Opening Day Replay Fiasco, but still, perhaps that suggests manager Ron Gardenhire envisions Wilson in this type of role for the forseeable future.

Michael Fulmer: Escape Artist

It turns out the Tigers aren’t the only team capable of loading the bases with none out and not scoring, as they did (twice) a few days ago. The White Sox accomplished this feat in the bottom of the second with a double and a pair of walks, but after a brief visit from pitching coach Chris Bosio, Fulmer then proceeded to get a fly out, strikeout and ground out. Easy as pie.

You can’t stop Dixon “Doubles” Machado

Dan Dickerson bestowed this nickname on Machado after he cracked a double to left in the sixth, plating Victor Martinez and James McCann to make it 5-0 and calling an end to Lucas Giolito’s day. This was Machado’s sixth double of the year; coming into the game, he was tied for the American League lead with five. Makes you wonder if Gardenhire will move him up in the lineup anytime soon.

It turns out that defense is pretty important

The White Sox must have buttered up their gloves before the game, as two fielding miscues directly led to Tiger runs. A sure inning-ending Miguel Cabrera double-play grounder in the fifth inning was bobbled by Sox third baseman Yolmer Sanchez. Instead of turning two, Sanchez threw to first to get Cabrera, allowing Machado to score, making it 3-0 for Detroit. The exact same thing happened in the sixth with a comebacker to Giolito, extending the inning for Machado’s aforementioned double.

Hot dog toppings are a matter of great debate

It’s hard to say what causes more vigorous debate: what toppings belong on a hot dog, or if pineapple belongs on pizza; Gibby and Mario had a healthy discussion about the former on the TV broadcast.

The real debate is apparently focused whether or not ketchup should be allowed. Here’s the thing, people: if you like how ketchup tastes on a hot dog, put ketchup on your hot dog. If you don’t like how ketchup tastes on a hot dog, don’t put ketchup on your hot dog. People like what they like, alright? (Full disclosure: I eat hot dogs both with and without ketchup. So there.)

Briefly...

• JaCoby Jones swiped third without a throw in the seventh, and Niko Goodrum, pinch running for Cabrera in the eighth, stole second. Neither steal elicited a throw from Sox catcher Wellington Castillo. I like the aggressive approach shown by Tiger baserunners so far this year.
• You have to wonder about Leonys Martin in the leadoff spot. He had five plate appearances today, and only reached once, on a walk. His on-base percentage is right around .300; is this really the guy you want at the top of the order? That said, I’ve liked his defense in the outfield.
• Joe Jimenez pitched the eighth: two whiffs, one single, no damage. Lookin’ good so far, Joe.

• Four Tiger batters got hit in a game for the seventh time in team history.
• Eight Tiger batters walked today, including the first four in the ninth inning.

Next Game

The Mike Fiers Era in Detroit begins tomorrow, as he faces Reynaldo Lopez at 2:10 pm EDT. Hot tip: it’s gonna be cold again.