The White Sox faced another setback, falling 8-4 to the Angels, marking their second consecutive loss. Despite a promising start, scoring early, the Sox couldn't capitalize, going 2-for-18 with runners in scoring position. Their initial 4-0 lead evaporated as the Angels stormed back with eight unanswered runs, leaving the Sox with an 11-9 spring record.
The South Siders came out swinging against Alek Manoah. Chase Meidroth drew a walk, Colson Montgomery singled, and Austin Hays, continuing his impressive spring, launched a three-run homer to left. That makes three homers for Hays in the Cactus League, and if he keeps this pace, he might be a hot commodity by the trade deadline.
Montgomery added to the lead in the third inning, sending a fastball 362 feet to right field, giving the Sox a 4-0 advantage. For a moment, everything seemed to be clicking.
However, trouble brewed in the fourth inning. Tristan Peters, fresh off a stellar defensive play, doubled, and Korey Lee followed with a single.
Lee has been a standout this spring, likely securing his roster spot with Kyle Teel sidelined. But with bases loaded, Meidroth and Montgomery couldn't deliver, allowing the Angels to claw back.
Anthony Kay pitched solidly, with four innings and one earned run, striking out four. But the bullpen faltered. Jo Adell smashed a 469-foot homer in the fourth, but the real unraveling came in the sixth.
Alexander Alberto, a Rule 5 pick, dazzled with his 100 mph heat but struggled with control. A walk, stolen base, and two singles later, the Angels were closing in. Jake Palisch tried to stop the bleeding but surrendered a game-tying hit to Oswald Peraza.
The Sox had a prime opportunity in the sixth against rookie Tyler Bremner. Bremner showed his inexperience, issuing walks to Lee and Oliver Dunn. Yet, the Sox couldn't capitalize: Benintendi struck out, and Meidroth and Montgomery grounded out, leaving another rally unfulfilled.
The Angels seized the lead in the seventh, with Chris Taylor homering and back-to-back triples off Tyler Gilbert. Defensive miscues didn't help, as Jason Matthews committed two errors at third in the ninth, giving the Angels an extra run.
In the ninth, the Sox couldn’t muster a comeback. Jacob Gonzalez led off with a hit, but the rally fizzled, sealing their fate.
The White Sox will look to bounce back tomorrow night in Scottsdale against the Giants, with first pitch set for 8:05 PM CT. Ryan Borucki will take the mound, aiming to maintain his perfect spring against a formidable Giants team boasting a 14-3 record.