It was energy versus energy.
Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene’s pitch was clocked at 100.2 mph.
Chicago White Sox middle fielder Luis Robert Jr. related for a two-run homer that includes an exit velocity of 109.5 mph.
The residence run was the distinction maker because the Sox beat the Reds 5-4 on Friday in entrance 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 mentioned.
All of the Sox offense got here through the lengthy ball.
Andrus hit a three-run homer within the fifth to tie the sport at 3. Jonathan India hit a solo homer within the backside of the fifth to place the Reds again forward. Robert responded with the two-run homer the following inning because the Sox (11-22) gained for the fourth time in 5 video games after shedding 10 straight and 15 of 17.
“You’re looking at guys that are talented doing their thing,” Sox starter Lance Lynn mentioned. “Everybody is beginning to come collectively right 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, permitting 4 runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts and no walks in 6⅔ innings.
“Lynn had a big-time performance, and a big-time game,” supervisor Pedro Grifol mentioned. “We performed three robust video games once more Minnesota this week, and he knew he needed to go deep into video 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 essential inning might need been the sixth. After Robert’s homer gave the Sox the one-run lead, Lynn retired the aspect so as in an inning with two strikeouts. He returned for the seventh and obtained the primary two outs, the second on a spectacular diving cease 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 mentioned. “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 appeared on the play in a bigger context.
“I feel that the way we’re playing lately helps you,” he mentioned. “Kind of recharge the batteries and Lance was throwing a tremendous sport, he was capable of assist us and preserve us within the sport. When you see your pitcher battling on the market, you must do the identical.
“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 within the seventh, Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal dropped Luke Maile’s popup. Lynn exited after the error, however Joe Kelly struck out India to protect the lead. Kelly struck out two extra within the eighth in his return from paternity checklist.
Reynaldo López walked Fraley main off he ninth. Henry Ramos hit a liner to Robert, who made the catch after which 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 mentioned. “He hits a house run to place us forward, he makes a pair defensive performs after which he reveals a plus-plus arm to assist us flip 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 mentioned. “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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Source: www.bostonherald.com