The Chicago White Sox picked up right where they left off from Monday’s 15-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Every starter recorded at least one hit, and the line just kept on moving, in the White Sox’ 10-0 victory over the Texas Rangers.
Adam Engel went 3-for-3 with two runs, and continued his impressive approach of using the right side of the field. His spring average is now up to .364.
Yoan Moncada added a three-run double in the bottom of the third inning. The former No. 1 overall prospect recorded a hit from both sides of the plate.
Avisail Garcia, Leury Garcia and Yolmer Sanchez added two-hit games to the box score. All three are batting over .300 this spring (sensing a theme here?).
As for the pitching, it kept right up with the bats. Lucas Giolito led the way, turning in another magnificent spring performance, with 6 ⅓ innings dispensed of in only 60 pitches. He exited to a standing ovation in at Camelback Ranch after giving up just two hits and no walks — then ran out to the right field bullpen to throw enough additional pitches to make Don Cooper happy.
Giolito’s curveball was working well, and the only hitter who gave him difficulties was Nomar Mazara (two hits off the big man).
The bullpen shut down the Rangers following Giolito’s departure. Luis Avilan, Nate Jones, Bruce Rondon and Aaron Bummer closed out the final 3 ⅔ innings, giving up only one hit and one walk.
And now for the requisite gloom piercing the sunshine ...
Kevan Smith, who was also a part of the two-hit club on the day, sprained his ankle in the fifth inning. X-rays for a fracture returned negative.
Steve Stone mentioned during the broadcast that Giolito and Smith have become a comfortable pitching tandem. While it may not yet be a David Ross-Jon Lester bromance (and yeah, I feel the nausea gurgling in my stomach even typing those names), a young starter having a preferred catcher never hurts.
Jose Abreu was also banged up in the win. Abreu exited after the second inning with hamstring tightness and is listed as day-to-day.
Seriously? The final spring training game can’t come soon enough.