The Chicago White Sox rolled to a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch on Friday in spring training action. Korey Lee paced the offense, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. On the mound, Davis Martin turned in a solid outing, working 4.0 innings of scoreless ball with four strikeouts. The Sox finished with 9 hits on the day while holding the Cubs to 5. It was an encouraging performance for the Sox as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Korey Lee was the top performer at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Sox offense.
Everson Pereira provided support, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI, Andrew Benintendi also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI, and Colson Montgomery chipped in, going 1-for-3. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Moisés Ballesteros led the Cubs offense with a 2-for-3 day. Michael Busch also contributed, going 1-for-3. Kane Kepley added a 1-for-3 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Sox pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Davis Martin earned the win after pitching effectively, working 4.0 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 1 hit with four strikeouts. He threw 39 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen was sharp, combining for 5.0 scoreless innings while striking out nine. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Jordan Leasure recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Sean Newcomb stood out with 3.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out six. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Sox struck first, scoring a run in the second inning. The Sox pushed across a run in the fourth. The Sox plated a run in the fifth. Cubs answered with two runs in the sixth. The Sox responded with a run in the sixth. The Sox spread their scoring across four different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Sox out-hit Cubs 9-5 on the day, with 3 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 9,109 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Sox, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Sox are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.