Danks has spring scoreless streak come to an end
Lefty gives up two runs in first inning, settles down after that in 74-pitch outing
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish wasn't quite as economical with his pitches as he was in his previous outings while White Sox starter John Danks had his spring scoreless streak come to an end.
But it was still a productive afternoon for both starting pitchers in the Rangers' 14-8 victory over the White Sox on Sunday afternoon. Ronaldo Guzman put the Rangers on top for good with a seventh-inning home run off of White Sox pitcher Andre Rienzo.
Jim Adduci had three hits, Alex Rios was 2-for-3 with a home run and J.P. Arencibia hit a grand slam for the Rangers. Paul Konerko had two hits, including a three-run double for the White Sox. Jordan Danks, brother of the starting pitcher, Adrian Nieto and Marcus Semien also had two hits each.
Darvish threw 84 pitches over 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits, three walks and three strikeouts. He spent the afternoon trying to work on his cut fastball and sinker. When it was over, Darvish went down to the bullpen for more work before calling it a day.
"I wanted to make sure my delivery was okay," Darvish said. "Since I threw so many cutters during the game, I felt off with my delivery. I wanted to make sure it was okay."
Darvish threw just 63 pitches over five innings in his previous outing against the Reds.
"I was working on my cutter and (sinker)," Darvish said. "Because I threw so many cutters, I wasn't able to throw many strikes."
Danks had pitched eight scoreless innings in his two previous two starts before giving up two runs in the first inning. But he allowed just one run through the next four. He finished with 74 pitches over five innings, allowing seven hits and three walks while striking out three.
"I feel good," Danks said. "Really I think the main thing now is fastball command. There was a couple of pitches today that missed location and I didn't help myself. I'm feeling good about everything. Arm still feels great and I feel like I'm in good shape, stronger and I'm excited about having a full healthy year."
Up Next: Felipe Paulino makes his fourth Cactus League start as the White Sox return to the Maryvale area for a game against the Brewers on Monday at 3:05 p.m. CT. White Sox fans will get a look at fleet-footed Micah Johnson in the leadoff spot and at second base, with Jose Abreu back in the lineup and Hector Gimenez at catcher.