Dodgers defeat White Sox 6-1 in Cactus League opener

GLENDALE, Ariz. — John Danks was nicked for three runs in two innings, and the White Sox were held to three hits by Clayton Kershaw and five other pitchers in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-1 victory in a Cactus League opener Thursday.

New White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier drove in new second baseman Brett Lawrie from third with a sacrifice fly to produce the Sox’ only run. Lawrie, who walked twice, advanced to third on outfielder Jerry Sands’ double.

Sands, fighting for a spot on the 25-man roster as an extra outfielder, also threw out a runner at second base and made a running catch on the left-field warning track, crashing into the wall.

Alex Guerrero homered in the second inning against Danks for the Dodgers’ third run.

Catcher Dioner Navarro had the Sox’ other two hits, both singles, including one against Kershaw who struck out two in two scoreless innings.

“Well, I mean, you’re facing Kershaw, so to see that the first game out of the gate, it’s always tough,” Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “But it’s one game. I still like where our guys are at and what they’re doing. So I’m not going to make too much of this.”

Danks gave up RBI singles to Yasiel Puig and Yasmani Grandal in the first.

“Best way to describe it is testing the water, getting back out there, getting comfortable on the mound and see what you need to work on,” Danks said.

“I feel fine. Definitely not as nearly sharp as I’d like to be but I don’t think anybody is at this point. I feel like I’m on pace for where I need to be.”