Gage: Tigers grind out much-needed victory over White Sox
DETROIT -- But don't you see, this is why the Tigers are so perplexing.
They didn't bounce back from Thursday's loss with a dominant performance. They responded with something even better.
As a timely reminder of how to grind, which is how most wins are won, they beat the White Sox 5-4 on Friday night at Comerica Park.
You can argue that it shouldn't have been that difficult -- because the Sox aren't very good -- but that obscures the primary objective. The Tigers couldn't allow a two-gamer to become a three-game losing streak.
Not after winning three games in a row.
Progress isn't, if measured by three steps forward, then three steps back.
Nor by struggling to win as many games as you lose.
The Tigers simply can't continue their dangerous flirtation with a .500 record -- or worse yet, with sinking under .500.
That's the kind of under-achievement which gets managers in hot water if they weren't already-- or hotter water if they were.
It also leads to fans being disgruntled enough to annoy players -- and for annoyed players to make regrettable comments in their own defense.
Despite some edginess on both sides, though, it hasn't happened yet. There's not been much booing heard at Comerica Park this season -- some, but nothing that's lasted -- because just when you think that fans are getting irked, something comes along to un-irk them.
If that's a word.
A hitter gets hot. A pitcher throws a gem.
Or the Tigers come from behind three times to win -- which was the case this time.
Some might have viewed it as a gutsy performance. I prefer to think of it as a necessary one.
What was impressive about it, though, is that it never took the Tigers long to respond.
Down 1-0 in the first after Adam Eaton's second consecutive leadoff home run, this one off Anibal Sanchez, the Tigers countered with a one-out single in their half of the first by Ian Kinsler, followed by the first of Miguel Cabrera's three doubles -- just the third three-double game of his career.
The Sox went back in front in the third, only to have the Tigers respond in the fourth on a two-out single by Jose Iglesias that knocked in J.D. Martinez from second base.
The tables were turned when the Tigers took their first lead in the fifth, only to have the Sox tie it in the sixth, but down again in the seventh -- after Tyler Flowers hit Chicago's third home run off Sanchez -- Rajai Davis countered with a leadoff blast in the bottom of the inning.
It was the first home run Davis has ever hit on an 0-2 count.
Gutsy comeback? Not yet, but getting there.
After Bruce Rondon, who is looking comfortable being back in the majors, worked a scoreless eighth, the Tigers took the lead on J.D Martinez's 19th home run in the bottom of the inning.
And while there were some dicey, first-and-third times in the top of the ninth, closer Joakim Soria worked through them -- with the help of an atrocious bunt by Carlos Sanchez -- for his 17th save.
Manager Brad Ausmus never is elated to be in the post-game interview room, but some sessions are better than others -- meaning he's more visibly pleased after some games than others.
Offsetting a loss in which he was second-guessed for taking Victor Martinez out for a pinch-runner who later struck out with the bases loaded for the final out didn't plaster a smile on his face, but he certainly seemed relieved.
Rightly so. The offense did what it needed to do; Rondon did what the Tigers hope he'll do from now on.
"If he pitches like we think he can, he's a big boost to our bullpen," said Ausmus. "I'm not worried about putting him into a tie game."
And the result was a needed win for the Tigers.
But, for a team still taking small steps, aren't they all?