The 2024 season began auspiciously for the Detroit Tigers as they clinched a victory over the Chicago White Sox with a tight 1-0 triumph on Thursday.
Pitcher Tarik Skubal and a trio of relievers orchestrated an impressive display by retiring the final 17 batters. Despite a stellar performance by Garrett Crochet for the White Sox, they failed to advance beyond first base.
Javier Báez kick-started the Tigers’ scoring in the third inning with a single, subsequently crossing home plate on Andy Ibáñez’s sacrifice fly. The Tigers concluded the game with a total of six hits.
Skubal (1-0) seamlessly resumed his form from the previous season, delivering an outstanding opening-day performance. The 27-year-old southpaw struck out six batters without issuing a single walk, building on his impressive record of 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA in his last five appearances the previous year.
Shelby Miller maintained a flawless seventh inning, while Andrew Chafin and Jason Foley, who secured the save, sealed the victory by striking out key White Sox batters Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert Jr.
Crochet (0-1) exhibited brilliance in his inaugural professional start, pitching six innings of one-run ball and limiting the Tigers to five hits. The 24-year-old left-hander recorded eight strikeouts and issued no walks.
Deivi García took over the mound in the seventh inning, followed by Michael Kopech, who expertly navigated a bases-loaded threat in the eighth by striking out Matt Vierling. Despite their efforts, the White Sox’s season opener mirrored the struggles of the previous year, marked by a disappointing 101-loss campaign.
The Tigers are set to face off against the White Sox once more on Saturday and Sunday, with their home opener slated for April 5 against the Oakland Athletics.
