Oakland Athletics Hammer White Sox 8-2: Game Notes and Scouting Report
By Joe Piazza
The Oakland Athletics put up a five-spot in the first and Kendall Graveman struck out seven in Oakland’s solid win over the White Sox on Friday.
This is the second of a six-part scouting series. In addition to this Athletics game, I will be covering the following games: CLE@CWS (3/25), CIN@SEA (3/26), COL@TEX (3/27) and LAD@SEA (3/19). You can find my summary of Thursday’s game between the Dodgers and Rangers here. Follow me on Twitter @JoePiazza_ for live game updates!
Oakland Athletics starter Kendall Graveman made quick work of the Chicago White Sox in the top of the first, inducing two grounders and a fly out on just three pitches. The bottom of the inning wasn’t as kind to Zach Putnam, who lasted through just one out and gave up five runs. Matt Joyce led things off with a first-pitch single, and the A’s just kept putting the pressure on. A two-run homer by Ryon Healy the next inning made the score 7-0, and the White Sox were unable to mount a comeback.
Graveman put on a very good show Friday, allowing just one earned run while striking out seven in seven innings. It was a good time for him to step up and show what he can do, as this proves him worthy of making the Opening Day start for Oakland. Liam Hendriks did a fine job in the eighth, striking out two while “allowing” an unearned run. Ryan Dull closed things out for the A’s, walking one and striking out one in the ninth.
The White Sox pitchers weren’t as fortunate. They gave up not only eight earned runs, but collectively walked nine batters. The only Chicago pitcher to have success was Anthony Swarzak. In 2.1 innings of work, Swarzak collected five Ks and allowed just two baserunners. As a whole, the White Sox were outplayed, and this is the sort of performance you’d expect from a rebuliding team.