After a challenging start to the season with a 2-4 record on the road, the Detroit Tigers returned home triumphantly, defeating the Chicago White Sox 7-4 at Comerica Park on Friday afternoon. Kerry Carpenter stood out with two home runs among the Tigers’ 10 hits against the White Sox pitching staff. His first home run was initially uncertain, as it was unclear if the ball landed fair or foul down the right-field line. However, a review confirmed that the ball went just inside the foul pole, giving Detroit a 1-0 lead over White Sox pitcher Jonathan Cannon. Carpenter added to his impressive performance in the fourth inning with another home run off reliever Brandon Eisert, extending the Tigers’ lead to 4-1. The Tigers also saw a home run from Riley Greene in the sixth inning, marking his third of the season.
Tigers starter Jack Flaherty delivered a strong performance, striking out seven batters over 5 2/3 innings while allowing only one run on three hits and two walks. In his first two starts of the 2025 season, Flaherty has recorded 12 strikeouts, conceding three runs and six hits in a total of 11 1/3 innings. Kenta Maeda faced difficulties in his second outing of the season, highlighting why he is currently pitching out of Detroit’s bullpen. Despite a challenging eighth inning with two runners on base, Maeda managed to strike out Andrew Benintendi and get Andrew Vaughn to ground out. However, Maeda struggled in the ninth inning, giving up three consecutive hits, including two doubles, resulting in two runs for Chicago. In his two appearances this season, Maeda has allowed five runs and six hits in just three innings.
With both teams entering the game with 2-4 records in the early season AL Central standings, the Tigers’ victory provided some separation in the standings, at least until the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians played later on Friday night.
