Josh Naylor struck again this afternoon, and his grand slam was the difference in today’s 5-1 White Sox loss to the Guardians.
In what was a bullpen day for the White Sox following yesterday’s cancellation, Rule 5 pick Nick Avila got the start. After the South Siders spotted him a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on an Andrew Benintendi RBI single, Avila gave up a walk, hit by pitch, and single in the first before giving up a grand slam to Naylor. He would eventually work out of the inning, striking out two in the process, but the damage had already been done. The team’s “bulk” pitcher was Jesse Scholtens, who continued a strong Spring with three scoreless innings of his own that featured five strikeouts. Jimmy Lambert, Bryan Shaw, and Franklin German were other notable pitchers this afternoon, all throwing scoreless innings.
There wasn’t much offense to go around, as Benintendi’s RBI single in the top of the first served as the White Sox’ only offense on the afternoon. Oscar Colas also had a strong afternoon in the field to make up for an 0-for-4 performance at the plate, though when it was all said and done, there simply wasn’t enough offense to go around today.
With the loss, the White Sox fall to 8-7 on the Spring.
W: Triston McKenzie (1-2) | L: Nick Avila (0-1)
Offensive Recap
- Elvis Andrus: 1-for-3, R, K
- Oscar Colas: 0-for-4
- Andrew Benintendi: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
- Yasmani Grandal: 0-for-2, BB, K
- Hanser Alberto: 1-for-2
Pitching Recap
- Nick Avila (SP): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
- Jesse Scholtens: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
- Jimmy Lambert: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
- Bryan Shaw: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
- Franklin German: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Next Matchup
The White Sox go back to work on Friday afternoon with another matchup with the Cubs. Mike Clevinger is scheduled to make his second start of the Spring in the matchup, opposite Nick Neidert of the Cubs.
The game will start at 3:05 PM CT and can be viewed on NBC Sports Chicago.
Follow us @SoxOn35th for more throughout the Spring!
Featured Image: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
