Chicago, Illinois- In a game that truly embodied the unpredictable nature of Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox today, June 5, 2025, at Guaranteed Rate Field. This hard-fought contest, marked by early offense, a spirited comeback, and a clutch late-game hit, saw the Tigers clinch the series against their American League Central rivals. The Tigers win White Sox series finale with a testament to their resilience and timely hitting.
The action was delayed by a 95-minute rain delay, a common occurrence in the unpredictable early summer baseball schedule, but once play commenced, the Tigers wasted no time establishing their presence. They exploded for four runs in the very first inning against White Sox starter Jared Shuster, setting an aggressive tone. A pivotal moment in this offensive surge came courtesy of Riley Greene, whose two-run single underscored the Tigers’ intent to take an early commanding lead. For a team often criticized for slow starts, this immediate impact was a welcome sight for the Tigers faithful and laid the groundwork for their ultimate Tigers win White Sox triumph.
However, the Chicago White Sox, despite their challenging season, showed significant grit and refused to capitulate easily. They meticulously began their comeback, chipping away at the Tigers’ substantial lead. Mike Tauchman ignited their scoring with an RBI double in the third inning, hinting at a potential shift in momentum. The fourth inning saw Andrew Benintendi double, later scoring on a sacrifice fly by Josh Rojas, further narrowing the deficit. The White Sox’s persistence paid off in the fifth inning when Benintendi delivered a crucial bases-loaded sacrifice fly, dramatically tying the game at 4-4 and sending a palpable buzz through the Chicago crowd. This determined fight back underscored the competitive spirit inherent even in rebuilding teams.
As the game progressed into the later innings, the tension ratcheted up. With the score deadlocked, the top of the eighth inning proved to be the decisive moment. Wenceel Pérez initiated the crucial rally for the Tigers, leading off with a double – a play that was confirmed after a successful replay challenge, highlighting the impact of modern baseball technology on game outcomes. With Pérez on second, the stage was set for rookie sensation Colt Keith. Keith delivered a bloop RBI double down the left field line, the ball landing just fair and allowing Pérez to race home, giving the Tigers a precarious 5-4 lead. This clutch hit by Keith, a rising star in the Tigers lineup, was the defining blow in securing the Tigers win White Sox encounter.
The Tigers’ bullpen then took center stage, tasked with preserving the slender lead. Will Vest delivered a commendable performance, pitching two scoreless innings to bridge the gap to the closer. The responsibility of sealing the victory ultimately fell to Tommy Kahnle, who calmly navigated the ninth inning to record his eighth save of the season, cementing the Tigers’ hard-fought victory. This collective effort from the relief corps was instrumental, showcasing the depth and effectiveness of the Tigers’ pitching staff in critical situations.
Notably, this game also marked a significant return for Tigers starter Sawyer Gipson-Long, who made his first start in nearly two years after battling through elbow and hip surgeries. While he allowed three runs over 3 2/3 innings, his presence on the mound was a positive step forward for the Tigers’ rotation, offering a glimpse into the potential strength of their pitching depth as the season progresses. His journey back to the mound is a testament to perseverance and a hopeful sign for future Tigers win White Sox clashes.
Defensively, both teams showcased moments of brilliance and near-misses. The White Sox, in particular, had several plays that were just “a hair short” of perfection, including Andrew Benintendi’s valiant sliding attempt on Colt Keith’s game-winning double. Such fine margins often define the outcome of close baseball games. Ultimately, the Detroit Tigers demonstrated their ability to withstand a challenge, bounce back from a blown lead, and deliver the decisive blow when it mattered most, culminating in a well-deserved 5-4 Tigers win White Sox decision. This victory not only adds to their impressive season record but also reinforces their status as a formidable contender in the American League Central.
