Giolito, White Sox fall to Mariners

In his first start of the season, at Kansas City last Sunday, Lucas Giolito walked the first batter he faced, immediately settled down and flirted with a no-hitter against the Royals.

It was a promising debut for the Chicago White Sox's right-hander, and Giolito was looking to take another step forward in his second outing of the season against the Mariners.

"I think he understands exactly what he's doing, that when you talk to him right now he's really in a good place," Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "Knock on wood, this is something that will continue to trend in an upward fashion and he will continue to do what is necessary to keep us in ballgames and give us a chance."

Giolito shook off another leadoff walk Saturday, but his afternoon went downhill from there in the Sox's 9-2 loss to Seattle at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Giolito lasted just 4⅓ innings against the Mariners and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks.

The White Sox's offense didn't manage much against starter Mike Leake and the Seattle bullpen. Jose Abreu hit a solo home run in the fourth inning and Tim Anderson went deep in the seventh.