CINCINNATI -- The local kid made himself at home at Great American Ball Park on Friday night, launching a home run that traveled nearly 400 feet in the Cubs' 6-3 loss to the Reds.
Kyle Schwarber, who grew up in nearby Middletown, Ohio, logged his 15th homer of the season in the fourth inning. The two-run shot off Reds starter Luis Castillo traveled an estimated 399 feet to center field and left his bat at 102.7 mph, according to Statcast™. The homer gave the Cubs a 3-1 lead.
Manager Joe Maddon said Schwarber was "getting different, in a good way," handling balls up in the zone better and not missing pitches.
"He's looked really good," Maddon said.
Schwarber's last three hits in his past four games have been home runs. He's averaging one home run every 14.20 at-bats this season, and entering Friday's game, his one homer in every 14.93 at-bats was the third-best ratio in the National League, behind the Nationals' Bryce Harper (13.37) and the Reds' Eugenio Suarez (14.20).
Schwarber has reached base safely in 51 of the 65 games he's played in this year.
"I still want to be able to string some things together," Schwarber said. "Obviously, I put a good swing on the ball today. I want to be able to still go up there and have good at-bats and put up a quality at-bat. I want to work the at-bat and get my pitch, and when I do get my pitch, drive it."