After pitching struggles, White Sox roar back for tie
Santiago, Rienzo combine to allow eight runs; Bell, Loman mark seven-run eighth
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Chicago White Sox scored seven runs in Monday's eighth inning, highlighting a comeback from a nine-run deficit and propelling them to a 9-9 Cactus League tie with the Giants.
San Francisco amassed five extra-base hits while scoring all of its runs in the second and third innings. Then it was the White Sox turn to thrive.
Jared Mitchell's two-run triple in the sixth inning began Chicago's scoring, which resumed in the eighth as Josh Phegley's RBI single launched the rally. After Blake Tekotte drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run, Giants manager Bruce Bochy summoned his son, right-hander Brett Bochy, from the bullpen. But Chicago's rally continued as Josh Bell drilled a bases-loaded, ground-rule double and Seth Loman clobbered a three-run homer to tie the score.
"I put him in a tough spot, but he's a tough kid and he'll be fine," said the skipper.
For the Giants, Hunter Pence tripled to lead off a three-run second inning, and Pablo Sandoval continued his hot hitting by doubling to open a six-run third. Non-roster invitee Cole Gillespie, bidding for a reserve outfield spot, doubled and scored in each of the two innings. His third-inning hit drove in two runs. Brett Pill also had a two-run double in the third.
Giants starter Madison Bumgarner yielded two hits in two innings. The left-hander escaped a first-inning threat when shortstop Joaquin Arias speared Dayan Viciedo's line drive with two on and two out.
White Sox starter Hector Santiago surrendered three runs and five hits in two innings.
Up next for the White Sox: Nestor Molina was touted as one of the White Sox top pitching prospects (now ranked No. 10) when he was acquired from the Blue Jays for Sergio Santos last year, but he struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness during his first year in the organization. Molina will get a chance to start his 2013 season off right on Tuesday, getting the call against the Rangers in Surprise, Ariz., at 2:05 p.m. CT. Also of interest is John Danks, who will throw his final live batting-practice session earlier in the day on Tuesday.