Mar 11, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman
Jose Abreu(79) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox have hit a rough patch of late, dropping three of its last four contests, including a 14-10 slugfest this afternoon against the Los Angeles Angels. Jose Dariel Abreu, the biggest offseason signing for Chicago, did his part though, collecting three base hits – including a home run – and driving in three.
Los Angeles (10-10) scored in every inning but the eighth, when Dylan Axelrod retired the Angels’ hitters without allowing a base hit. In fact, that was the first time all afternoon that White Sox pitching retired the leadoff man.
With his club already leading 3-0 in the top of the third, Angels’ first baseman Albert Pujols hit a double to center, scoring Mike Trout to make it 4-0 Angels. David Freese, in his first season with the club, grounded out to score another run.
Abreu hit his first homer of the spring in the bottom of the frame, a two-run shot to center field, cutting the Angels’ lead to 5-2. The offensive back-and-forth continued throughout the afternoon, with the two teams trading shots for most of the game.
Chicago starter Erik Johnson (0-1, 7.36 ERA) lasted through four rough innings of work, allowing eight runs – seven of which were earned – on eight hits and two walks. It marked the second straight game where the White Sox starting pitcher gave up seven or more runs in less than five innings of work.
White Sox hitters went just 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position Wednesday afternoon, while Los Angeles posted a much more impressive 6-for-14 clip. The offense has tallied 16 runs over the past two days, but due to lackluster pitching, Chicago lost both games.