March 08--The summary
White Sox right-hander Hector Noesi, working to be the Sox's fifth starter, pitched two perfect innings in his first spring start. But Sox relievers Zach Putnam and Eric Surkamp surrendered nine earned runs combined over the span of one inning in the Sox's 11-7 loss to the Mariners.
At the plate
New Sox catcher Geovany Soto had two doubles and an RBI while subbing in late for starter Tyler Flowers.
On the mound
Putnam, making his first spring appearance after a stomach ailment sidelined him Wednesday, gave up four runs on three hits, including a three-run homer to Justin Ruggiano. Manager Robin Ventura said he would "chalk it up to the first outing."
Key number
.750. Batting average for Avisail Garcia after he had two hits in each of his first three spring games.
B side
Right-hander Erik Johnson made a start in the Sox's 8-2 B game loss to the Rockies and threw two hitless innings with one walk and three strikeouts.
The quote
"I never feel secure. I always try to do my work and feel like I'm competing to be better." -- Noesi on his spot in the rotation
The quote II
"A lot of people probably shortchange the kind of stuff he has. He's really trying to win a job. ... It's not easy being him when you hear about the three guys who are up front (Chris Sale, Jeff Samardzija and Jose Quintana), but I think people are selling him short." -- Ventura on Noesi
Up next
At Athletics, 3:05 p.m. Sunday. RH Jeff Samardzija vs. LH Drew Pomeranz.
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