Eugenio Suárez hit a home run, Ryne Nelson pitched well for six innings, and the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Chicago White Sox 7-1 on Friday night. It was Arizona’s fourth win in five games and their ninth victory in the last 13.
Nelson, now 4-5 for the season, gave up six hits, walked one batter, and struck out a career-high eight. He threw 95 pitches and received praise for his effective curveball and slider.
Suárez, who has been seeing less playing time with a .195 batting average, hit his sixth home run of the season in the fourth inning against Chris Flexen.
Flexen, who fell to 2-6, struggled through the game, allowing nine hits and six runs (four earned) in his outing. He was replaced later in the inning.
Joc Pederson added to the Diamondbacks’ lead with a solo home run in the seventh inning, his ninth of the season and second in as many games.
After a win in Seattle the previous day, the White Sox continued their struggles, losing five of their last six games and 23 of their last 27. They now hold a 6-30 record on the road and have started the season with an 18-53 record, their worst in franchise history.
