Sale strong, but similar script vs. tough Tigers

DETROIT — Chris Sale once again threw a gem against American League Central rival Detroit. And once again, Sale came out on the wrong end of a pitching duel with Justin Verlander on Wednesday.

Sale took a no-decision after allowing two runs in eight innings in the finale of a three-game series at Comerica Park before the Tigers rallied late for a 3-2 win to sweep the White Sox.

Sale took a loss the last time he was in Detroit despite throwing an eight-inning complete game. This outing comes on the heels of yet another complete-game loss on Friday to the Mariners. Sale said the trend of having good outings spoiled can be deflating, but he is already putting it in the past.

“You just pick yourself up,” Sale said. “There’s no sense in stirring it up or focusing on anything — just pick yourself up and be ready to win a ballgame tomorrow.”

Sale got some help from his defense, as the White Sox turned three double plays in the first four innings to keep the Tigers at bay. Two of the three double plays came on offspeed pitches, and all of them came on pitches low in the strike zone.

“[Pitching coach Don Cooper] came up to me after the first or second inning and told me to stay focused at the bottom of the zone, especially with guys on,” Sale said. “My guys up the middle were doing a great job today, turning those double plays.”

No. 9 hitter Andrew …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com