The Detroit Tigers got absolutely smacked around Friday night, dropping the series opener to the Chicago White Sox 9-5 right there at Comerica Park. Jackson Jobe got roughed up in just his second start of the season, and even Ben Malgeri blasting two homers couldn’t keep pace with the visitors. It was a tough one, no doubt, but now we’ve got Troy Melton taking the mound for Game 2 on Saturday afternoon, and this guy is on a different planet lately.
Melton’s Dominance Is No Joke
Seriously, what Troy Melton has been doing on the bump is just unreal. The right-hander has thrown three straight quality starts, and get this: he hasn’t allowed more than two runs since way back on June 9. That’s the *only* time it’s happened all season! Over his last three outings, the 25-year-old has tossed a ridiculous 20 shutout innings. He’s only given up 10 hits and five walks in that span, striking out 14 for a 2.43 FIP. That’s ace-level stuff, plain and simple.
And guess who he’s faced twice this summer, delivering quality starts both times? Yep, the White Sox. Back on May 29 in Chicago, Melton went seven frames of one-run ball, gave up six hits and a walk, struck out one, and got a no-decision in a tough 4-3 extra-innings loss. Then on June 20 in Detroit, he went six innings, allowed just one solo homer for his only run, walked three, struck out five, and snagged his fourth win of the year in a 4-1 final. The guy knows how to handle Chicago. He’s rolling into Saturday’s game with a 7-1 record and a 1.46 ERA through 13 games, boasting a 22.5 K% over 80 innings. He’s gonna be a tough out.
Kay’s Challenge and Friday’s Fallout
On the other side, the White Sox are sending lefty Anthony Kay to the mound. He’s had a couple of quality starts in his last two outings himself, posting a 1.46 ERA and 3.73 FIP over his last 12 1/3 innings. He’s given up 13 hits (one homer), two walks, and struck out seven in that time, plus he hit a batter. Kay faced the Tigers once already this season, on May 30 at Rate Field. He threw five frames of one-run ball, allowing six hits (one homer) and a walk, striking out three to earn his fifth win of the campaign in a 7-1 rout. Kay’s got a 9-5 record and a 3.96 ERA over 24 games, so while he’s not Melton, he’s certainly capable.
After Friday’s blowout, where Ben Malgeri’s two bombs were just not enough, the Tigers need to rally. Jobe getting lit up put a serious damper on the start of the series. But with Melton on the bump, Detroit has a real shot to get back on track.
It’s Game 2 of this three-game series at Comerica Park on Saturday afternoon, starting at 1:10 p.m. ET. The Tigers are sitting at 60-62, while the White Sox are ahead at 63-58. This isn’t just about evening the series; it’s about making a statement after that Friday night punch to the gut. With Melton pitching like he’s got something to prove, Saturday is a must-win.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bless You Boys.
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