The Chicago White Sox dropped a 13-6 decision to the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on Friday in spring training play. Despite LaMonte Wade Jr.'s 2-for-2 with two home runs and three RBI effort at the plate, the Sox could not overcome a sizable deficit. Adisyn Coffey worked 2.0 innings on the mound, allowing 3 earned runs on 3 hits. The Padres out-hit the Sox 14-11 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
LaMonte Wade Jr. was the key contributor at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two home runs and three RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Sox confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Curtis Mead chipped in, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI, Sam Antonacci added to the attack, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Everson Pereira provided support, going 2-for-4 with a double. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Ty France led the Padres offense with a 1-for-1 with a home run and three RBI day. Gavin Sheets also contributed, going 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Jake Cronenworth added a 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI effort as well. The Padres offense proved to be too much for the Sox pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Adisyn Coffey got the start, struggling with his command, working 2.0 innings while allowing 3 earned runs on 3 hits with one strikeout. He threw 31 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Sox evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 5.3 innings of work, allowing 10 earned runs while striking out five. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Riley Gowens stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
The Sox struck first, tallying three runs in the first inning. Padres answered with three runs in the first. The Sox responded with a run in the second. Padres countered with three runs in the fourth. The Sox struck back with two runs in the fifth. Padres answered with seven runs in the eighth. The Padres were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Padres out-hit the Sox 14-11, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 4,862 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Sox were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.
