That the Chicago White Sox were only slightly more dreadful than their crosstown rivals in Friday’s 11-9 descent into madness provides little recompense. After all, it was a game that, at least from the pitching end, would have been better suited for February play, not a tuneup 10 days from Opening Day.
Lucas Giolito started and, as is his spring wont, came away positive with his effort. He was particularly pleased with the feel of his curve, some “10 times” better than it was a year ago, per comments postgame. And he did whiff seven Cubs over five innings — including four in the first frame, courtesy of a dropped third.