Luis Robert Jr.’s 2-run HR lifts the Chicago White Sox to a 5-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds: ‘Everybody is starting to come together’
Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene’ s pitch was clocked at 100.2 mph. Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. connected for a two-run homer featuring an exit velocity of 109.5 mph. For good measure, Robert aided the Sox defensively with a laser throw to first after a ninth-inning catch to double off Jake Fraley.
It was power versus power.
Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene’s pitch was clocked at 100.2 mph.
Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. connected for a two-run homer featuring an exit velocity of 109.5 mph.
The home run was the difference maker as the Sox beat the Reds 5-4 on Friday in front of 23,467 at Great American Ball Park.
For good measure, Robert aided the Sox defensively with a laser throw to first after a ninth-inning catch to double off Jake Fraley.
“Just doing Robert things,” second baseman Elvis Andrus said.
All of the Sox offense came via the long ball.
Andrus hit a three-run homer in the fifth to tie the game at 3. Jonathan India hit a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth to put the Reds back ahead. Robert responded with the two-run homer the next inning as the Sox (11-22) won for the fourth time in five games after losing 10 straight and 15 of 17.
“You’re looking at guys that are talented doing their thing,” Sox starter Lance Lynn said. “Everybody is starting to come together here, and that’s what it’s all about.
“We had an ugly April, there’s no other way to say it, but so far in May we’ve been better and we’ve just got to keep that going, keep working together and keep pulling in the same direction.”
Lynn earned his first victory of the season, allowing four runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts and no walks in 6⅔ innings.
“Lynn had a big-time performance, and a big-time game,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “We played three tough games again Minnesota this week, and he knew he had to go deep into games, and he did.
“He gave us 103 pitches (and) for the 67th time since 2019 he’s gone over 100 pitches, which is the most in baseball. There’s something to be said about that. That’s why he’s been in the game a long time. He understands the game, the urgency of the game, the magnitude of this game for us. I know it’s May, but this was a really important game.”
Lynn’s most important inning might have been the sixth. After Robert’s homer gave the Sox the one-run lead, Lynn retired the side in order in an inning with two strikeouts. He returned for the seventh and got the first two outs, the second on a spectacular diving stop and throw from Andrus on a Kevin Newman grounder.
“I felt pretty good but it was one of those things I got a little stronger as I went (on) there, especially after giving up the home run,” Lynn said. “I was able to turn it around and be better in the sixth and felt better in the seventh. Elvis made a great play for me. Everybody did their part (Friday).”
Andrus looked at the play in a larger context.
“I feel that the way we’re playing lately helps you,” he said. “Kind of recharge the batteries and Lance was throwing an amazing game, he was able to help us and keep us in the game. When you see your pitcher battling out there, you have to do the same.
“I’m feeding off everybody’s energy and I feel everybody is feeling the same way and that’s the best situation to be in. We just want to keep pushing to see how many games we can win.”
With two outs in the seventh, Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal dropped Luke Maile’s popup. Lynn exited after the error, but Joe Kelly struck out India to preserve the lead. Kelly struck out two more in the eighth in his return from paternity list.
Reynaldo López walked Fraley leading off he ninth. Henry Ramos hit a liner to Robert, who made the catch and then threw to first for the double play.
“I’ve talked about him before, there’s nothing he can’t do on the baseball field,” Grifol said. “He hits a home run to put us ahead, he makes a couple defensive plays and then he shows a plus-plus arm to help us turn that double play.
“He’s performed in the past, he’s going to perform again, he’s an extremely talented individual that can show all five tools in one game at any time.”
López struck out Nick Senzel for his fourth save.
“Collectively as a team everybody has started to relax, loosen it up,” Andrus said. “Very happy that April is gone and we turned the page. I love it that way. Everybody has a brand new mindset coming to the ballpark and just getting ready for every series.”
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