Luis Robert Jr. did Monday night what his team has consistently failed to do this season: make White Sox fans proud.
Facing the pressure of being granted the #1 seed, Robert Jr. came through and put on a show in his first round to advance with 28 home runs. However, the 25-year-old center fielder lost the home run swing a bit in the second round and exited the competition after losing to Randy Arozarena.
The night got off to a daunting start with first-round opponent Adley Rutschman catching fire towards the end of his session, going 7-for-8 after switching sides in extra time to tally 27 total home runs. Unfazed, Robert Jr. stepped up to the plate and delivered. Though the first few pitches wound up on the T-Mobile Park grass, La Pantera then ignited to finish his base time with 27 dingers as well. With one minute to hit just one bomb, Robert Jr. delivered to advance to the semi-finals vs. Randy Arozarena.
Put simply, Arozarena balled out in the second round. While his five homers in the extra minute offered a glimpse of hope to Robert Jr. supporters, his overall total of 35 was too much to overcome, as Robert Jr. wound up with just 22. Pitcher Luis Sierra offered some suspect pitches, but it was clear that Robert Jr. had lost the feel for the swing as well.
Alongside his All-Star selection, it’s certainly a fun time to be Luis Robert Jr.
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