Luis Robert Jr. delivered an outstanding performance for the Chicago White Sox in their 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night. He smacked two home runs, recorded four hits, and notched four RBIs, leading the White Sox to the win. This victory for the White Sox halted the Astros’ eight-game winning streak. The White Sox, who currently have the worst record in the majors at 30-93, secured their second win in four games.
In a tense ninth inning, pinch-hitter Jon Singleton managed to hit a solo home run for Houston off Chad Kuhl, bringing the score to 5-4. Nevertheless, Kuhl was able to strike out Jose Altuve and secure his first save of the season. Robert’s stellar performance included a two-run homer in the third inning and a solo shot in the fifth, helping the White Sox build a 4-1 lead. This marked Robert’s seventh career two-homer game and his first since March 30 against Detroit.
The Astros fought back, with Jake Meyers hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning to bring Houston within one run at 4-3. However, Robert added an insurance run with an RBI single in the eighth inning. The Astros had a season-high 16 strikeouts during the game, their first loss since August 5. White Sox starter Garrett Crochet had a strong outing, allowing only one run on four hits with nine strikeouts in four innings. Houston’s starter, Spencer Arrighetti, gave up four runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings.
In terms of injuries, White Sox pitcher Matt Foster was reinstated from the 60-day injured list, while Dominic Leone was transferred to the 60-day injured list due to Tommy John surgery. Astros’ ace Justin Verlander, recovering from neck stiffness, pitched four innings for Double-A Corpus Christi in his second rehabilitation start. Astros’ third baseman Alex Bregman was sidelined due to swelling in the back of his right elbow, with a possibility of returning for the upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox.
Looking ahead, Houston’s RHP Hunter Brown was scheduled to face off against Chicago’s RHP Chris Flexen on Saturday night.