Detroit — It was the first major-league pitch J.D. Martinez had seen in seven weeks, and what he did to it was stunning. With swings like that, on nights like this, special things truly seem possible for the Tigers.
Here was their indomitable rookie Michael Fulmer locked in a stifling duel with White Sox ace Chris Sale, neither giving in. And then tied in the eighth inning, Martinez, just liberated from the disabled list, was introduced as a pinch-hitter. The standing ovation was staggering, so loud and long, Sale even paused to give a nod of acknowledgement toward the plate.