CUBS 11, SOX 9
Hamels can’t handle Sox
After allowing two hits in the first two innings, left-hander Cole Hamels imploded in the third Friday against the White Sox.
Hamels threw a changeup to Sox third baseman Yoan
Moncada, who let it rip. He hit a three-run home run to left field.
Hamels was supposed to pitch five innings, but manager Joe Maddon pulled him in the fourth. He finished his day allowing five earned runs and five hits in 3‰ innings. He also walked three and struck out four.
‘‘It’s just execution,’’ Hamels said. ‘‘That’s where the frustration is. You feel like you have a guy set up, but in order to be successful, you have to execute. That’s kind of the tough part.”
Hamels said his goals for the rest of camp include ‘‘trying not to walk guys’’ and limiting his pitch count.
Almora’s big day
Center fielder Albert
Almora had himself a day. He hit a leadoff homer and went 3-for-4 with three RBI.
Where’s the relief?
Cubs relievers allowed four runs and nine hits in 5„ innings. The worst of it came when left-hander Randy
Rosario allowed three earned runs in the seventh.
Barnette injury
Right-hander Tony Barnette, who hasn’t pitched since March 3, was spotted with an ice pack on his shoulder.
‘‘We don’t think it’s anything horrible,’’ said Maddon, who brushed off the injury as ‘‘a little bit of an issue.” ‘‘We’ve got to get him back out soon. He’s progressing well. Just not quite right yet.’’
On deck
Cubs at Diamondbacks, Scottsdale, 3:10 p.m. Saturday, Kyle Hendricks vs. Matt Koch.