Dillon Dingler had two hits, including his team-high 17th homer, and drove in two runs as the host Detroit Tigers downed the Chicago White Sox, 4-1, on Saturday afternoon.
James Outman and Jake Rogers drove in the other Tigers runs in support of Troy Melton (4-0), who didn’t allow a hit in six innings after Sam Antonacci’s leadoff homer. Melton who was scratched from his last start due to back tightness, struck out five.
Tyler Holton tossed two scoreless innings and Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth for his ninth save and second in as many days.
Antonacci reached base four times. Chicago used Sean Newcomb as an opener. Newcomb retired all nine batters he faced, including four strikeouts.
Antonacci hit the second pitch of the game over the right-center field wall to give Chicago a 1-0 lead.
Braden Montgomery drew a two-out walk in the second and reached second on a throwing error by catcher Rogers. Melton then struck out Tristan Peters.
Antonacci was hit by a pitch in the third and moved up to second on a Melton wild pitch. Andrew Benintendi grounded out to leave him stranded.
The Tigers had a threat going in the fourth. Tyler Davis walked Kevin McGonigle, Matt Vierling and Spencer Torkelson, loading the bases with two out. Joe Rock (0-1) replaced Davis and Jahmai Jones pinch hit for Kerry Carpenter. Rock struck out Jones to keep his club on top.
Melton walked Peters and Antonacci in the fifth, then struck out Miguel Vargas to avert damage. Detroit tied the score in the bottom of the frame.
Zach McKinstry drew a two-out walk, moved to second on a McGonigle single and scored on Dingler’s single to right.
The Tigers took a 3-1 lead in the sixth. Torkelson hit a one-out double and scored on Outman’s single. Outman advanced on an error and flyout and scored on Rogers’ single.
Leading off the seventh, Dingler gave his club a 4-1 advantage with his 430-foot blast over the center field wall against Trevor Richards.
