The Chicago White Sox rolled to a 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Camelback Ranch on Sunday in spring training action. Colson Montgomery paced the offense, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Jordan Hicks worked 1.2 innings on the mound, allowing 2 earned runs on 1 hit. The Sox finished with 9 hits on the day while holding the Royals to 6. The Sox will take confidence from a well-rounded effort on both sides of the ball. Spring training is about building toward the regular season, and this was a step in the right direction.

Key Performers

Colson Montgomery was the standout at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. His power was on full display throughout the game. The Sox will be hoping for more of the same as the spring continues.

Jarred Kelenic added to the attack, going 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI, Luisangel Acuña provided support, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Drew Romo also contributed, going 1-for-1 with a double. Multiple contributors at the plate made life difficult for the opposing pitching staff.

On the other side of the diamond, Nick Loftin led the Royals offense with a 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI day. Gavin Cross also contributed, going 1-for-2. Kameron Misner 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

Jordan Hicks got the start, running into trouble, working 1.2 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 1 hit with one strikeout. He threw 38 pitches in the outing. The coaching staff will review his performance as they continue mapping out the pitching plan for the regular season.

The bullpen combined for 7.1 innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out eight. The Sox continue to sort through their relief options as they build their Opening Day bullpen. Every inning pitched in the spring is an opportunity for pitchers to make their case for a spot on the roster when the games start counting. Tyler Gilbert recorded the save to close out the game.

Among the relievers, Sean Newcomb stood out with 3.0 innings of 2-run work, striking out two. It was an impressive showing that could factor into roster decisions.

How It Happened

The Sox struck first, plating a run in the first inning. Royals responded with two runs in the second. The Sox countered with a run in the third. Royals struck back with two runs in the fifth. The Sox answered with three runs in the fifth. The Sox spread their scoring across three different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Sox out-hit Royals 9-6 on the day, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 4,542 was on hand to take in the action.

Looking Ahead

The Sox will look to build on this positive performance as spring training winds down. With the regular season rapidly approaching, outings like this one provide confidence and continuity for a roster that is rounding into form. Every remaining exhibition game is another chance to sharpen the details before the games start counting for real.