White Sox 5, Tigers 3: Jake Rogers homers, but Tigers lose fifth straight

The Detroit Tigers handed out branded snow trooper hats out before an August afternoon game with 70% humidity outside. No, it was not a mistake: they simply had them to give away after the original promotion’s date was canceled in April (ironically due to snow) and moved to Tuesday to serve as game one of a day-night doubleheader.

The heat nor the winter clothing could not warm up the Tigers as they dropped game one 5-3 against the Chicago White Sox.

Noted Detroit Tiger killer Jose Abreu struck early with a solo home run in the first inning and RBI double in the fifth off of Tiger starter Daniel Norris.

Outside of that particular matchup, Norris was passable, allowing four runs across 5 ²⁄₃ innings. His velocity continues to show some better signs, but he had opportunities to put hitters away at numerous points and struggled to make the pitch when needed. Some shoddy defense behind him didn’t help either.

Detroit’s offense struggled once again, scoring four runs or less for a fifth consecutive game.

Jake Rogers hit his second career home run — and first at Comerica Park — to provide a much-needed silver lining off of Chicago top prospect Dylan Cease.

The lack of offense should come as no surprise to anybody considering the team’s well-documented issues in 2019. Moreover, Tuesday afternoon’s lineup featured only one player from an already suspect opening day lineup: Niko Goodrum. Four others are on the injured list, two were given the game off, one has been traded (we miss you, Nick) and one has been in Triple-A four four months.

Detroit’s lineup went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, left eight runners on base (included four left in scoring position) and grounded into two inning ending double plays.

Honestly, you were probably better off sitting at your desk getting some work done and listening to a podcast than watching this game. If you did tune in, hopefully it was over the radio so you could hear Tiger semi-legend Andy Dirks’ impressive color commentary alongside Dan Dickerson.

The Good

Jose Cisnero got himself into plenty of trouble on Tuesday afternoon but showed resolve and battled his way out of jams. He collected three strikeouts over 2 ¹⁄₃ innings, allowing three hits and one walk but made it out without allowing any runs.

The Bad

These two teams play again in a few hours.

The Ugly

Travis Demeritte went 0-4 with three strikeouts and had a fly ball soar over his head in right field for an RBI double. He is hitting .118 with eighth strikeouts in his five games with the Tigers so far.