LaRoche hits slam to help Sox top Angels 7-6
TEMPE, Ariz. - Brad Penny pitched into the fourth inning and Adam LaRoche hit a grand slam as the Chicago White Sox beat the split-squad Los Angeles Angels 7-6 Saturday.
LaRoche, who had 26 homers and 92 RBIs with Washington last year, connected against Cory Rasmus for his first home run this spring.
LaRoche figures to split time with AL Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu at first base and at designated hitter this season after signing a two-year, $25 million contract with the White Sox.
Penny, who sat out all of 2013 before pitching in eight games with Miami last year, made his third spring appearance and first start. The two-time All-Star allowed five hits and one run in 3 2-3 innings with a walk and a strikeout.
The 36-year-old righty, hoping to catch on as Chicago's fifth starter this season, escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the third. Mike Trout flied out and Albert Pujols followed with a flyball to center fielder Trayce Thompson, who threw out Marc Krauss at the plate.
Penny, 121-101 over 14 major league seasons, has stated that he would like to be a starter this year.
"You've just got to go out there and control what you can control," said Penny, who is working on a new cut fastball with White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper. "I thought things went good. I felt good out there."
White Sox second baseman Micah Johnson got three hits as he tries to solidify a spot at second base. Melky Cabera also had three hits for Chicago.
STARTING TIME
Angels: Top pitching prospect Andrew Heaney made his second spring start, allowing five hits and two runs in three innings. He was 0-3 with a 5.83 ERA in 29 innings with Miami last year, and was acquired in the deal that sent Howie Kendrick to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He walked two.
"I was battling back most of the time from behind," Heaney said. "I just need to get ahead. That's what it is."
Angels manager Mike Scioscia agreed.
"He gave some at-bats away, but all in all I can see the ball coming out of his hand live," Scioscia said. "He had a good slider. He's getting his feet on the ground. Command counts."
UP NEXT
White Sox: LHP John Danks starts Sunday against the Angels. He allowed two hits and a run in his first spring outing.
Angels: LHP Hector Santiago will make his third spring start, this time against his former White Sox teammates.