The Detroit Tigers are staring down a sweep after dropping the second game of their home series against the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-3. Troy Melton’s streak of dominance hit a wall, and even with Eduardo Valencia’s bat putting in work, it just wasn’t enough to power the home team to a win. Now, the pressure is on to salvage something from this weekend.
Anderson on the Mound: A “Long Opener” with Mystery Stats
Right-hander Drew Anderson is stepping up for his fifth start of the season in the series finale, and honestly, his role is kinda wild. He’s been less of a true starter and more of a “long opener” in his last two outings. We’re talking 7 2/3 innings where he’s somehow rocking a microscopic 1.17 ERA, but then you look at his FIP, and it’s a way less impressive 4.91! Dude’s given up seven hits, including one solo homer, for his only run allowed, plus three walks against four strikeouts. It’s a head-scratcher, right? This guy has faced the White Sox three times already this summer in relief. He got tagged with a blown save *twice* at the end of May, giving up a pair of runs in just 2/3 of an inning in both appearances with only one K between them. But then, he totally vultures a win after tossing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball on a hit and three strikeouts. So which Anderson shows up today? That’s the million-dollar question for Motor City fans.
Burke’s Dominance and a Few Loose Ends
On the flip side, the White Sox are sending their own righty, Sean Burke, to the rubber for his 21st start in 25 appearances this season. This 26-year-old has been lights out, throwing quality starts in seven of his last nine outings. Over his last 10 games, which even includes a 7 1/3 inning relief effort, Burke has put up a sparkling 1.60 ERA with an impressive 2.47 FIP. He’s allowed 43 hits, six of those homers, and 11 walks, but he’s also absolutely mowing down hitters with 79 strikeouts over 62 innings. He’s not flawless, though, throwing five wild pitches, hitting three batters, and getting called for a balk over that same stretch. He’s already seen Detroit this season at Rate Field back on May 31, where he dealt 5 1/3 frames of one-run ball on three hits and two walks, striking out six. He didn’t figure in the decision that day, but the White Sox still snagged a 2-1 win.
So, here we go. It’s Game 124 for the Tigers, with Drew Anderson (4-4, 3.91 ERA) going up against Sean Burke (7-6, 2.99 ERA) at Comerica Park in Detroit. First pitch is set for 1:40 p.m. ET. The Tigers are 60-63, battling against a tough White Sox team that’s 64-58. Detroit needs to come out firing if they want to avoid getting swept on their home turf. Can Anderson tame those White Sox bats, or will Burke shut down the Tigers and send them packing without a win this weekend? You know we’ll be glued to every pitch!
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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