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Michael Kopech strikes out 11 in six no-hit innings in White Sox’ victory vs. Tigers

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Manager Tony La Russa admitted he pondered keeping Kopech in the game but thought the long-term considerations weighed more heavily.
There have been no questions about right-hander Michael Kopech’s determination as the White Sox try to navigate his first full season as a starter.
Kopech’s potential as a long-term member of the Sox’ rotation looks promising, based on his performance Friday in which he struck out 11 and didn’t allow a hit through six innings against the Tigers.
But Kopech wasn’t allowed the opportunity to extend his no-hit bid, even as the Sox attempt to reel in the Guardians and Twins in the American League Central.
Javy Baez ended the no-hit bid with a single against reliever Reynaldo Lopez to start the seventh, but Andrew Vaughn came through with a two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the inning to vault the Sox to a 2-0 victory.
Brief chants of ‘‘Fire Tony’’ surfaced after Baez’s single in the wake of Sox manager Tony La Russa’s decision to pull Kopech after 85 pitches.
La Russa admitted he pondered keeping Kopech in the game but thought the long-term considerations weighed more heavily.
‘‘That’s as far as he should have gone for this game, [taking into account] the rest the year, the rest of his career,’’ said La Russa, who was mindful that Kopech is scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the AL West-leading Astros.

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