Szczur, Spangenberg go back-to-back as Padres shut out Sox
Matt Szczur and Cory Spangenberg hit back-to-back home runs and Padres pitching held the White Sox to five hits in a 2-0 victory on Friday afternoon at Peoria Stadium.
Clayton Richard had his best start of the spring for the Padres, who improved to 8-6 in Cactus League action. The lefty threw four innings of shutout baseball, giving up only two hits. He also struck out one and walked two. LHP prospect Joey Lucchesi relieved Richard, striking out four in three very impressive scoreless innings. Following Richard and Lucchesi was Brad Hand and Kazuhisa Makita, who each threw spotless innings to cap off the victory.
At the plate, Cory Spangenberg, who is hoping to win the second base job, had three of the Padres’ six hits, including the second of back-to-back home runs in the third inning. Matt Szczur also homered in the third inning off White Sox starter Carson Fulmer.
For the White Sox, LHP Aaron Bummer struck out the side in a scoreless inning of relief. Newcomer Robbie Ross Jr., signed to a minor league deal five days ago, struck out two and did not give up a run in his lone inning of work.
The Padres will remain at the Peoria Sports Complex to face the Indians tomorrow at 12:10 p.m. PT. The game will be shown on Fox Sports San Diego.
Dick Enberg's Celebration of Life, which begins at 10 a.m., will be shown live on Fox Sports San Diego prior to first pitch.
