Tigers Beat White Sox 1-0
CHICAGO (AP) — Anibal Sanchez struck out 10 in a terrific performance, helping the Detroit Tigers top the Chicago White Sox 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Sanchez (14-7) allowed five hits and walked four in 7 1-3 innings while lowering his AL-best ERA to 2.50. Joaquin Benoit got three outs for his 18th save in 18 opportunities, completing a five-hitter for Detroit's 11th shutout of the season.
Omar Infante drove in the game's only run with a two-out single against Matt Lindstrom (2-4) in the eighth inning.
White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana pitched seven innings of five-hit ball. But he remained winless over his last five starts despite a 3.03 ERA.
AL Central-leading Detroit loaded the bases with one out in the first, but Quintana got Victor Martinez to foul out and struck out Nick Castellanos to end the inning.
The Tigers' next solid opportunity occurred when Infante led off the seventh with a hustle double to left and advanced to third on a groundout. Quintana then struck out Jose Iglesias, hit Austin Jackson with a pitch and got Torii Hunter to ground out to end the threat.
Prince Fielder and Martinez hit consecutive one-out singles in the eighth to set up Infante's run-scoring single to left.
The White Sox put two runners on with one out in the bottom half, chasing Sanchez from the game. Jose Veras came in and struck out Paul Konerko before he was replaced by Drew Smyly, who struck out Adam Dunn for the final out.
NOTES: Suspended Tigers SS Jhonny Peralta said he understands why he won't regain his position if he is activated when his penalty is over. The shortstop job now belongs to Iglesias. Peralta said: "Iglesias is a really good player. He's settled to be the shortstop every day. I'm here to help the team in whatever position I can." ... White Sox rookie INF Marcus Semien got his third career start, replacing Conor Gillaspie at third base. Gillaspie made three errors on Tuesday, but manager Robin Ventura sounded understanding of what happened during Chicago's 9-1 loss. "I've had a night like that and totally understand it," he said. "You don't sleep well because you care." ... The White Sox continue their homestand when they host Cleveland on Thursday, with LHP John Danks (4-12) facing Indians RHP Corey Kluber (8-5). ... The Tigers are off Thursday before beginning a home series against the Kansas City on Friday, with RHP Justin Verlander (12-11) going against Royals LHP Bruce Chen (7-2).
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