The Chicago White Sox dropped a 12-3 decision to the Cleveland Guardians at Camelback Ranch on Friday in spring training play. Despite Andy Weber's 1-for-1 with an RBI effort at the plate, the Sox could not overcome a sizable deficit. Sean Burke worked 3.0 innings on the mound, allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits. The Guardians out-hit the Sox 16-6 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
Andy Weber was the standout at the plate, going 1-for-1 with an RBI. His steady bat was exactly what the lineup needed. Performances like this give the Sox confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Caden Connor added to the attack, going 1-for-2 with an RBI, Darren Baker provided support, going 2-for-2, and Dru Baker also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a triple. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Milan Tolentino led the Guardians offense with a 1-for-1 with a home run and three RBI day. CJ Kayfus also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Carter Kieboom added a 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI effort as well. The Guardians offense proved to be too much for the Sox pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Sean Burke took the loss after struggling with his command, working 3.0 innings while allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 40 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 7 earned runs while striking out six. 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, Erick Fedde stood out with 3.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out one. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Guardians got on the board first with four runs in the first inning. Guardians tacked on seven runs in the seventh. The Sox countered with a run in the seventh. Guardians struck back with a run in the ninth. The Sox answered with two runs in the ninth. The Guardians were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Guardians out-hit the Sox 16-6, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 3,993 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.
