White Sox’ Fulmer KO’d early by Brewers

SHARE White Sox’ Fulmer KO’d early by Brewers
img_5638.jpg

Carson Fulmer pitches during the second inning Wednesday. (Daryl Van Schouwen)

MARYVALE, Ariz. — Carson Fulmer tried to right himself after two rough and one so-so start, but his struggle went from bad to worse.

Fulmer had the fifth starter’s job to lose but after giving up seven runs on three homers in 1 2/3 innings Wednesday in the White Sox’ 11-3 loss to the Brewers he owns a 18.90 spring ERA over four starts, a figure ballooned by seven home runs. Five of the last 18 batters to face the Sox’ No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 draft have homered.

Ryan Braun went deep in his first two-at bats (on a curve ball and cutter), including a grand slam, and Travis Shaw followed Braun’s second one with an opposite field blast. Fulmer also walked three, hit a batter and threw a wild pitch.

“Just a bad outing,’’ Fulmer said.

“I don’t think it’s mechanical. … I’m just catching some of the zone that I’m trying not to do. It’s frustrating, very frustrating for me.’’

“Sometimes he ends up rushing in which case all pitches including his fastball end up suffering,’’ manager Rick Renteria said before the game.

Enter Santiago?

Fulmer’s struggles could open a door for left-hander Hector Santiago, who has allowed one run in 10 innings this spring. Santiago, who has been pitching on the same days as Fulmer, pitched in a minor league game Wednesday morning against the Dodgers’ AAA team, allowing three runs on six hits over 2 1/3 innings. Santiago struck out three and walked none.

No offense

The Sox (9-9-2) had five hits, all singles, and all of their runs were unearned.

Keep on chuckin’

Non-roster invitees who continue to get outs: Right-hander Chris Volstad (1 2/3 innings) and lefty Robbie Ross (one inning) haven’t allowed an earned run all spring.

On deck

Sox at Angels, Lucas Giolito vs. Parker Bridwell, 8:10 p.m., Thursday.

The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.