Cole Hamels frustrated with his execution in Cubs’ victory vs. White Sox

SHARE Cole Hamels frustrated with his execution in Cubs’ victory vs. White Sox
1132641484.jpg

Cole Hamels struggled in his third appearance this spring. | Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Cubs 11, White 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 2/3 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.

RELATED

Reliever Steve Cishek determined to help Cubs in any way he can

Cubs’ Willson Contreras finds voice, powerful allies in fight for Venezuela

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 1/3 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.

The Latest
The mayor says the parade, dubbed ‘Sweet Home Highland Park,” and a celebration will restore the community’s spirit while helping the city as it moves forward with compassion and respect from the tragic events of 2022.
Both Andre Drummond (left ankle) and Ayo Dosunmu (right quadricep) were sidelined at the end of the regular season and heading into the play-in game. By game time against Atlanta, however, both were cleared, giving coach Billy Donovan some much needed depth.
Chicago police and community organizations gathered at Richard J. Daley Academy to provide information about available services to people affected by violent crimes.
Sox go 1-for-16 with runners in scoring position, score 4 runs, but pull out doubleheader split
The proposed legislation is the latest and most significant backlash to a declaration in December by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Board of Education that it would no longer prioritize selective schools and would refocus resources to neighborhood schools that have faced years of cuts and underfunding.