March 21--The summary
White Sox pitchers gave up eight runs the final four innings, allowing the Cubs to rally for a 10-7 victory Friday at a sold-out Camelback Ranch. Reliever Zach Putnam continued to struggle, giving up three earned runs on two homers in one inning.
At the plate
The Sox strung together five straight hits in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead against Cubs left-hander Travis Wood. Jose Abreu was 3-for-3 with two runs, and Avisail Garcia was 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
On the mound
Starter Hector Noesi gave up two runs on two hits, with one walk and five strikeouts in 4-1/3 innings.
In the field
Except for Noesi, the Sox put what could be their opening day lineup on the field. Micah Johnson started at second base.
Key number
19.64. Putnam's ERA this spring over 3-2/3 innings.
The quote
"Any time you don't get the ball down with a little split, it's going to get hit, especially in Arizona. He has to be down in the zone. We're counting on what he did last year, but you have to back it up in spring too. ... These guys have to continue to grind all the way to the end." -- manager Robin Ventura on Putnam.
Up next
Vs. Royals, 3:05 p.m. Saturday at Camelback Ranch. RH Joe Blanton vs. RH Brad Penny.
