During an intense showdown, Luis Robert Jr. faced a turning point in the third inning. Initially ruled out on strikes, Robert’s challenge led to an overturned call. The revised 2-2 count against Chicago White Sox starter Luis Castillo gave Robert another chance. Two pitches later, Robert sent the ball soaring for a two-run home run.

Reflecting on the event, Castillo commented, “Good for him in that situation, he felt obligated to challenge the ball and got me right after that.” Robert didn’t stop there; he delivered another home run in the seventh inning. The New York Mets clinched a 10-5 victory over the White Sox, watched by 30,705 fans at Rate Field.

“It feels good to hit homers against any team,” Robert shared through an interpreter. “It felt good to hit the home runs here just because it was a stadium that I played so many games in my career.” Once a White Sox player, Robert’s two home runs and three RBIs were key for the Mets. “He got us good today,” White Sox manager Will Venable said.

The outcome affected the White Sox’s standings. Despite the loss, the team holds first place in the American League Central, leading the Cleveland Guardians by 3½ games. On Saturday, the White Sox pitchers allowed five home runs, including two by Castillo. He gave up four runs, eight hits, and managed three strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.

“As an athlete we have good days and bad days, it was a bad day today,” Castillo remarked. With 80 pitches, Castillo’s efforts were cut short. Bo Bichette added to Mets’ advantage with a solo home run in the third inning, securing a 2-1 lead. Robert’s subsequent home run expanded the lead to 4-1, bringing Castillo’s pitching to an end.

Despite a valiant effort, the White Sox struggled. A solo home run by Tristan Peters kept hopes alive. This event unfolded when Carson Benge, colliding with the fence, lost grip on the ball, allowing it to fly over the wall. “It was funny because I thought it was a home run off the bat,” Peters said.

The game’s dramatic moments persisted. Benge, despite his mishap, remained in action and homered in a three-run fifth inning against reliever Tyler Schweitzer. The Sox’s attempt to rally continued as they scored runs in the fifth and sixth innings, narrowing the gap to 7-5. Unfortunately, they left the bases loaded both times and ended up 1-for-10 with runners in scoring positions.

“Good job generating traffic and base runners, just didn’t get that big hit,” Venable observed. Potential big moments included Colson Montgomery narrowly missing a hit with bases loaded, and Andrew Benintendi’s line out. In total, the Sox tallied nine hits and drew seven walks but left 11 runners stranded.

Robert’s efforts extended with a solo home run in the seventh against reliever Huascar Brazobán. The Mets’ Luis Torrens contributed a two-run home run in the ninth. For Robert, this marked his first multihomer game since August 2024. “Really talented player that [if] you make mistakes to him, he’s going to hurt you,” Venable acknowledged.