Tigers flirt with perfection, lose no-no in 9th in win

Tigers within two outs of first no-hitter in 26 years

The Detroit Tigers were tantalizingly close to their first no-hitter since 1990. Starter Anibal Sanchez retired the first 25 batters he faced and took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night at Guaranteed Rate Field.

But after getting two quick outs in the ninth, Sanchez gave up an infield single to pinch-hitter Danny Mendick. The no-hit bid was broken up with one out remaining, and the Tigers settled for a 4-1 victory.

The 35-year-old Sanchez needed just 89 pitches to get through the first eight innings. He struck out eight batters and walked two.

The Tigers gave Sanchez a 4-0 lead in the fourth inning on a two-run double by Niko Goodrum and a two-run homer by Miguel Cabrera.

The White Sox scored their only run in the ninth inning on an RBI single by Eloy Jimenez.

The Tigers have not had a no-hitter since May 26, 1990, when Jack Morris threw one against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Sanchez's performance a bright spot for struggling Tigers

The Tigers entered Friday's game with a 19-35 record, the worst in the American League. But Sanchez's performance was a bright spot for the struggling team.

Sanchez has been one of the Tigers' most consistent starters this season. He is 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 10 starts.

The Tigers will face the White Sox again on Saturday in the second game of their three-game series.