Carlos Rodon struck out a career high 12 batters and allowed two hits in six innings of work, and the White Sox overcame a one-run deficit with three runs in the fifth inning to defeat the Tigers 3-1 in Game 1 of a doubleheader Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Rodon (4-0), pitching at home for the first time since throwing a no-hitter against the Indians on April 14, did not allow a baserunner until the fourth inning and allowed two hits, including an RBI double by Jonathan Schoop with two outs in the fourth.
In a seven-inning game, Tigers right-hander Casey Mize held the Sox scoreless until Billy Hamilton’s RBI groundout and Leury Garcia’s two-run single. Jake Lamb singled and Zack Collins and Andrew Vaughn walked to load the bases with no outs. First baseman Miguel Cabrera had a chance for a forceout at home on Hamilton’s ground ball to keep the Tigers lead intact, but bobbled the ball and settled for an out at first. Garcia then broke the tie.
Rodon allowed one run on two hits and one walk. He had struck out 11 batters five times previously in his career. He has allowed seven hits in four starts this season and owns a 0.72 ERA.
He threw 96 pitches, 66 for strikes.
Liam Hendriks pitched a perfect seventh for his fifth save.
