Javier Báez challenged Chicago fans after hitting a home run, and the Detroit Tigers beat the White Sox 7-2 on Saturday to leave them on the brink of elimination in the AL Central.
The Cleveland Indians have a “magic number” of one game to eliminate Chicago and clinch the division title. A few hours before Chicago lost its fifth straight game, the White Sox announced that manager Tony La Russa will not return to the dugout for the remainder of the season due to health concerns.
Baez hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning. As he rounded the bases, the former Puerto Rican Cubs star put a hand to his ear, stretched out his arms and motioned to the crowd, who booed him.
La Russa, who will turn 78 on Oct. 4, has undergone “additional medical tests and procedures over the past week,” the team reported Saturday. Doctors have recommended the Hall of Fame pilot to stay away from work for the rest of the season due to a heart problem.
Báez and Venezuelan Harold Castro had three hits each, including a home run and three RBIs.
Drew Hutchison (3-9) got the win despite allowing back-to-back home runs to Eloy Jimenez and Gavin Sheets.
The loser was Davis Martin (2-5).
For the Tigres, Puerto Rican Báez 5-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs, Willi Castro 4-1. The Venezuelans Castro 5-3 with one run scored and three RBIs, Miguel Cabrera 5-0. The Dominican Jeimer Candelario 4-2.
For the White Sox, Venezuelan Elvis Andrus 4-0. Cubans Yoán Moncada 3-0, José Abreu 4-0, Yasmani Grandal 4-0. The Dominican Jiménez 4-1 with a run scored and an RBI.