O'Brien hits 2 HRs to carry D-backs over White Sox

March 13th, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Peter O'Brien hit a pair of home runs and drove in five runs to power the D-backs' offense in an 11-4 victory over John Danks and the White Sox.
O'Brien hit a three-run homer in the second and hit a two-run shot in the third, raising his Cactus League homer total to three and his RBI count to 10. Rickie Weeks added three hits and two runs in the offensive uprising.
D-backs forced to examine outfield options
"The first AB, runners on first and second, so I was just trying to get something out over the plate and drive it the other way to get that guy over," O'Brien said. "I ended up getting into an advantage count and got a good pitch to hit."

Of the second homer, O'Brien said: "I was just trying to get something up and stay middle of the field and not try and do too much."
Danks said that he felt good about his outing, even if the left-hander's numbers didn't exactly equate with his feelings. Over 4 1/3 innings, Danks yielded the eight runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out three.
"I mean it's another Spring Training start," Danks said. "There are definitely goals and things we're working on and we were able to do that. We tinkered with some things and I feel good about things.
Danks working for results, durability

Robbie Ray fared better on the mound for Arizona. In competition for the club's No. 5 spot, Ray gave up two runs on four hits over 4 2/3 innings, while striking out three. Todd Frazier singled home one run, and Austin Jackson walked and scored a second.

Jackson made his first start in a Cactus League game since he agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the White Sox last Sunday.
Up next for the D-backs: Opening Day starter Zack Greinke will make his third start of the spring Monday when the D-backs host the Mariners at Salt River Fields at 1:10 p.m. MST. Greinke has not allowed a run in five Cactus League innings. Daniel Hudson is expected to follow Greinke to the mound, while fellow setup man Tyler Clippard is also slated to see action.
Up next for the White Sox: The White Sox travel to Surprise, Ariz., for a third spring contest against the Royals, with Jacob Turner getting the start at 3:05 p.m. CT, live on Gameday Audio. Carson Fulmer, MLBPipeline.com's top White Sox prospect, started the previous two games against the Royals and is scheduled to work in relief.