Best-Jose Abreu 1B Chicago White Sox-2-5 2R 4RBI 2HR
Jose Abreu has been one of the best run-producing 1B ever since joining the White Sox in 2013. Abreu decided to re-sign with the White Sox to mentor the young players coming up and finally be on the White Sox when they start winning.
This season has proven that the White Sox will be a force with Abreu hitting right in the middle. Abreu blasted two home runs on Friday night to lead the White Sox to their sixth victory against their crosstown rival, the Chicago Cubs. With the White Sox starting to make noise and get people interested in this team again, I hope people admire the model of consistency Abreu has been for this organization and the City of Chicago.
Other Notables: Dallas Keuchel SP White Sox-8IP 6H 1ER 1BB 3K 1W; Marcell Ozuna OF/DH-3-5 2R 4RBI 2HR; Walker Buehler SP Dodgers-6IP 4H 1ER 0BB 11K 1W; Jonathan Schoop 2B Tigers-4-5 2R 2RBI 1HR; Max Fried SP Braves-5IP 5H 1ER 2BB 5K 1W.)
Worst-Aaron Nola SP Phillies-2.2IP 6H 4ER 3BB 3K 1L
Aaron Nola has been one of the best pitchers this season, but on Friday, he might have had the worst start of his career. Nola only lasted 2.2IP on Friday, which is by far his fewest innings pitched.
Nola was already at 71 pitches when he got taken out of the game. Even if he was able to get out of the third inning he might have only gone one more inning tops. Taking Nola out when the game was still in reach at 1-4 was the right move. The Phillies need Nola to be that rock on the mound because the rest of the starters have been inconsistent at best for this season.
Nola can be one of the best arms in the national league and looked like he was in for a career year, but Friday was not great timing to have a clunker against the division-leading Braves. If Nola can shake this off and pitch how he was before this start, the Phillies have a great shot at challenging the Braves for the NL East title, but if he has more clunkers, the Phillies will have no chance.
Extra Trash: Edwin Encarnacion 1B/DH White Sox-0-5 3K; Jon Lester SP Cubs-3.2IP 9H 8ER 0BB 3K 1L; Michael Perez C Rays-0-4 3K; Adam Plutko SP Cleveland-3.1IP 5H 7ER 2BB 1K 1L; Jose Ramirez 3B Cleveland-0-5 3K.