Addison Russell celebrates his home run as he crosses home in front of White Sox catcher Kevan Smith during a spring training baseball game Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
MESA, Ariz. — The South Side met the North Side out west on Monday. It was Cubs vs. White Sox in a February Cactus League game at Sloan Park. They played to a 4-4 tie.
Ah, a spring training tie, when there’s no victorious handshake line after the game, only friendly waves from one manager to the other from their respective dugouts.
Here is what Monday looked like on a cool, overcast afternoon in the desert. Photos by Morry Gash of the Associated Press.
White Sox players line up for the national anthem.
Lucas Giolito delivers a pitch in the first inning.
Addison Russell connects on a home run against Lucas Giolito.
Russell celebrates his home run as he crosses home in front of White Sox catcher Kevan Smith.
White Sox manager Rick Renteria talks to Tim Anderson before the game.
Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.
Willson Contreras connects on a home run during the fourth inning.
Jose Abreu hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning.
Abreu congratulated by teammates.
Cubs leadoff man Kyle Schwarber pokes a single.
The Cubs’ Kris Bryant is out at second as the Sox’ Tim Anderson turns a double play on a ball hit by Anthony Rizzo.
Third baseman Kris Bryant throws across the diamond.
In the eighth, Michael Busch tripled, and Patrick Wisdom, who had homered earlier, singled him home for the run that proved to be the difference in the Cubs’ 6-5 win.
Ball exercised the $21.4 million player option for next season. The hope is that he can overcome three left knee surgeries since 2022 and be available by fall camp.
Manager Craig Counsell said Suzuki likely will have a rehab assignment but Bellinger might not. Both could be activated from the injured list this week.
Tommy Pham gave the Sox the lead with an RBI single. After a three-hour delay, Tanner Banks needed 39 seconds to strike out pinch hitter Ivan Herrera looking to end the game.
