Sox pitching is prickly in Cactus League opener

The White Sox hope their spring training opener’s pitching performances don’t appear too often this season.

The team gave up 14 hits and fell to the Dodgers, 13-5.

Dylan Covey started for the Sox, going two innings and giving up one run thanks to Justin Turner’s solo shot in the first inning. It might have been the best White Sox pitching performance of the day.

Tim Anderson launched a three-run home run in the top of the third to give the Sox a two-run lead. Ryan Cordell, who was claimed in the Anthony Swarzak deal last July and had singled in his first White Sox at-bat, scored on the play.

Tyler Danish replaced Covey in the third and had some difficulties. He gave up two earned runs on four hits and one walk in his sole frame. Danish was originally penciled in for two innings, like Covey, but his shelling shelved that strategy.

To be fair, the 23-year-old right-hander should have been out of the inning earlier, but Yoan Moncada’s throwing error during a rundown—tag, don’t toss, Yoan—allowed Matt Kemp to hit a three-run home run in the next at-bat.

Kevan Smith helped his cause to earn the backup catcher roster spot in the top of the fourth. He doubled home two runs after Dodgers right fielder Trayce Thompson misplayed a fly ball.

Smith will compete with Omar Narvaez this spring to back up starting backstop Welington Castillo.

Things turned ugly in the bottom of the fourth, as Michael Ynoa relieved Danish. Manager Rick Renteria had to pull Ynoa after getting only one out and giving up four earned runs on two hits and two walks.

Brian Clark and Connor Walsh covered the next two innings, surrendering one run on three hits, and, hey, no walks!

Along with Cordell, many prospects received some playing time in the later innings, as the game inflated from major league to beer league in score and duration.

Colorful fireballer Thyago Vieira failed to finish the seventh inning after allowing two runs on three hits and one walk.

Eloy Jimenez and Jake Burger struck out swinging in their White Sox spring training debuts. Burger also grounded into a double play in the ninth inning.

Charlie Tilson finally returned to action after dealing with multiple lower-body injuries the past couple years. He singled to left field in the ninth in his second plate appearance.

So all in all, not the greatest of days for the Sox—not to mention news of Micker Adolfo’s UCL strain that will sideline him at least six weeks.

And Fernando Tatis Jr.’s home run for San Diego ... OK, I’ll stop.