White Sox held to four hits in loss to Dodgers

GLENDALE, Ariz.

Dodgers 2, White Sox 0

Offense stymied

The Sox (7-12-2) entered the game ranked second in the Cactus League in batting average (.284) and sixth in OPS (.822) and runs (133), but Dodgers prospect Tony Gonsolin preserved his 0.00 spring ERA with three innings and Kelsey Jansen, Joe Kelley and the rest of the pen were more than a Sox lineup resembling an Opening Day look could handle. The Sox were held to four hits, two by Leury Garcia (.384), and struck out 10 times before their second sellout crowd in two days at Camelback Ranch in Glendale (also Cubs on Friday).

Nova cuts to the chase

Veteran right-hander Ivan Nova unveiled a cutter he hasn’t used since he had Tommy John surgery in 2014, and though he allowed a homer to Clint Barnes with it, declared it a useful addition to his arsenal. Nova said he’s ready for the season to begin after giving up two runs, four hits and no walks with three strikeouts in 4⅓ innings. Both runs came on the homer.

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“Oh, yeah,’’ Nova said when asked if he’s ready for the season, which begins March 28 in Kansas City. “I can’t wait. I’ve got two [starts] before the beginning of the season, and I’m ready to go.”

How do you know?

“When you’re executing the way you’re supposed to.”

Relief!

After Nova, seven Sox relievers combined for 4⅓ innings of scoreless, one-hit ball, including recent waiver-claim lefty Josh Osich, who struck out Edwin Rios in his first appearance. Kelvin Herrera touched 95 mph in his perfect inning, which included a strikeout, and Carson Fulmer (who likely will begin the season at Class AAA Charlotte) gave up a hit and a walk but struck out the side in the ninth.

On deck

Sox at Diamondbacks, Scottsdale, 3:10 p.m., 720-AM, Carlos Rodon vs. Zack Greinke.