DETROIT — Brian Goodwin knows how to make a first impression.
The veteran outfielder made his White Sox debut in a 15-2 rout of the Tigers on Saturday and, batting second in the lineup, doubled in a run in the first inning and hit a three-run homer in the second against Tigers right-hander Jose Urena.
Goodwin became the third Sox player to reach base three or more times and drive in four runs in his first game with the team. The other two are George Metkovich in 1949 and Al Zarilla in 1951. Goodwin collected his fifth RBI on a groundout in the eighth inning.
The “next man up” mantra for the Sox is really becoming a thing. Signed to a minor- league contract May 4 after Luis Robert went down with a hip flexor strain, Goodwin was called up from Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday after Nick Madrigal went on the 60-day injured list with a proximal hamstring tear.
“It felt good, first game give the fans and teammates something to see,” said Goodwin, 30, a .250/.317/.455 career hitter in five seasons with four teams. He was released by the Pirates on May 3.
“I wasn’t too happy about it, but it helped me keep that chip on my shoulder,” Goodwin said. “Signed here in May, and I’m still [ticked] off. I’m going to take it out on everybody else with how I play.”
Cease still has Tigers’ number
Dylan Cease allowed two runs and four hits, struck out seven and walked one in five innings, enough to improve to 8-0 against the Tigers in eight career starts.
Cease (5-2), who has a 2.09 ERA against the Tigers, is the first Sox pitcher to win his first eight starts against a single opponent. He’s the first in baseball to accomplish the feat since Jamie Moyer won his first 10 career starts against the Marlins from 2006-08.
Cease gave up a leadoff walk in the first and a two-run homer to No. 2 hitter Harold Castro, then breezed the rest of the way, getting 15 swinging strikes to lower his ERA to 3.38. Because of several long delays during Sox at-bats, and with the big lead, he was limited to 82 pitches.
“I had to go throw in the batting cage probably five or six times today,” Cease said. “I can’t complain. If you gave me that much run support every time, I’ll take it.”
Ryan Burr and Matt Foster each pitched two innings of scoreless relief.
This and that
Yermin Mercedes and Leury Garcia each had two hits and three RBI. The Sox had 13 hits and walked 11 times.
• Yoan Moncada had Saturday off, and Tim Anderson will get Sunday off. Jose Abreu will be the designated hitter as manager Tony La Russa tries to keep players fresh.
• Sunday starter Carlos Rodon (5-2, 1.96 ERA) is 0-2 with a 3.45 ERA in his last five starts and 3-2 with a 6.00 ERA in seven career starts against the Tigers. The Tigers will start righty Kyle Funkhouser in a bullpen day.
• Tigers reliever Beau Burrows became nauseous during a lengthy fifth inning. Grounds crew cleaned up the mound as he headed to the clubhouse with the Sox leading 10-2.
