The Arizona Diamondbacks dropped a 6-0 decision to the Chicago White Sox at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Friday in spring training play. Despite Tommy Troy's 1-for-3 effort at the plate, the Diamondbacks could not overcome a sizable deficit. Daniel Eagen worked 1.2 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 0 hits. The Sox out-hit the Diamondbacks 6-4 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Tommy Troy was the key contributor at the plate, going 1-for-3. His steady bat was exactly what the lineup needed. Performances like this give the Diamondbacks confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Luken Baker chipped in, going 1-for-3, Ivan Melendez added to the attack, going 1-for-2, and Angel Ortiz provided support, going 1-for-2 with a double. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Jarred Kelenic led the Sox offense with a 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI day. Oliver Dunn also contributed, going 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. George Wolkow added a 2-for-2 effort as well. The Sox offense proved to be too much for the Diamondbacks pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Daniel Eagen took the loss after struggling with his command, working 1.2 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 0 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 42 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Diamondbacks evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 6.4 innings of work, allowing 4 earned runs while striking out eight. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Joe Ross stood out with 0.2 innings of 3-run work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Sox got on the board first with three runs in the second inning. Sox added three runs in the fourth. Sox out-hit the Diamondbacks 6-4, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 10,044 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Diamondbacks were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.