Lowrie Hits 3-Run Homer; A's Rout White Sox In Cactus League
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS / AP) -- Jed Lowrie hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in a nine-run first inning off Jose Quintana and Sam Fuld added a two-run triple, starting the Oakland Athletics to a 16-6 rout of the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.
Quintana faced nine batters and didn't get any outs, allowing nine runs, seven hits and two walks.
Oakland starter Jesse Chavez improved to 4-0, giving up two runs and six hits in 4 2-3 innings. A's manager Bob Melvin indicated before the game that Chavez and Tommy Milone will be part of the team's starting rotation.
"Watching those guys run around the bases was awesome," said Chavez, who didn't see himself as a potential starter as he entered training camp. "I just came in prepared to battle for a job. That's all. It gives me more confidence that they have confidence that I can do it. I'm going to try and ride that wave of their confidence in me."
Coco Crisp went 3 for 3, raising his average to .357. Nick Punto (2 for 4) is hitting .389 and Jake Elmore (2 for 4) is at .333.
Jordan Danks hit a two-run homer and a solo shot for Chicago.
"He's been swinging it great." manager Robin Ventura said of Danks. "He's probably been the most improved as far as understanding his swing and knowing what he wants to do when he gets up there."
Conor Gillaspie and Tyler Flowers hit solo homers.
Chicago reliever Ronald Belisario gave up three runs in one inning, raising his ERA to 10.13.
STARTING TIME
Quintana, a consistent starter for the Sox the past two years, said he has no arm problems and that he's not worried. White Sox pitchers threw 59 pitches in the first inning.
"I'll be fine when the season starts," he said.
Asked his level of concern, Ventura said "you think about it, definitely, because it's a couple of times now."
`His cutter wasn't as sharp as it's been in the past," Ventura said. "That could be from getting on top and not having as much slide across the plate.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Oakland's Daric Barton, who missed a week with a hamstring injury, went 2 for 5. Since returning from the injury, he's gone 3-for-9 with three walks in three games.
A's pitcher Ryan Cook, who is coming back from a shoulder problem, is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game at Oakland's minor league complex on Thursday.
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