Chicago White Sox managed a first-inning lead but couldn’t sustain offense, drawing a blank after one run as Parker Messick’s mix of fastball and changeup kept Cleveland in check. Davis Martin steadied after a rough first, yet a late two-run shot by C.J. Kayfus and a costly error-free third inning sealed a 3-1 loss. Despite outhitting the Guardians, Chicago couldn’t string together multi-run damage and left runners stranded, highlighting the need for a deeper lineup breakout.

Detroit's magic number to clinch the AL Central sits at eight with 13 games left, riding a strong run despite a recent 6-12 stretch. A pivotal Guardians series looms, and each Tigers win in that set cuts the number by two, tightening the path to home-field for the playoffs.

With the Guardians, White Sox, Braves, and Red Sox on the schedule, the next week could reframe Detroit's finish. A Cleveland win would blunt the Tigers, but a two-win or sweep against Cleveland could put Detroit close to clinching, potentially in Cleveland or at Comerica Park in a late-week showdown.

Remaining slate also features the Marlins and Royals in the mix, while Detroit aims to hold off both Cleveland and Toronto as the season winds down. The math is tight, but Detroit controls its fate with disciplined execution down the stretch.