Rockies 13, Sox 4
Giolito’s last tune-up not great
Lucas Giolito, expected to be named the starter for the season opener Friday in Detroit, allowed five runs (four earned), seven hits and three walks. He needed more than 90 pitches to get through 4⅔ innings.
It was the first time Giolito, who gave up four runs in the second inning, was scored on this spring.
“I would have liked to command my fastball a little bit better,” said Giolito, who had four strikeouts.
On a positive note, Giolito likes how his curveball has played this spring.
‘‘A lot better now than I ever have before,” he said. “And when I gave up hits and fell behind, I knew what I was doing wrong.”
Giolito has started the last two Sox openers. He’d go Friday on the normal four days of rest.
Lopez also not great
Reynaldo Lopez, who will be counted on to absorb some of injured Lance Lynn’s innings, gave up five runs in 2⅔ innings, walking two, allowing five hits and striking out one. Left-hander Anderson Severino, who can touch 100 mph and is vying for a spot in the bullpen, also struggled. Severino struck out two in the ninth but gave up three runs and four hits.
Doubles trouble
Jose Abreu doubled twice, Eloy Jimenez (.323, nine RBI) had two hits, including a two-run double, and Yasmani Grandal and Tim Anderson (.406) also doubled as manager Tony La Russa penciled in what could be an Opening Day lineup.
Anderson was charged with a fielding error, and Yoan Moncada made a throwing error.
On deck
Sox at Cubs, Mesa, 3:05 p.m., Marquee, Vince Velasquez vs. Drew Smyly. Velasquez is slated for three innings. Kendall Graveman, Ryan Burr, Jose Ruiz and left-hander Bennett Sousa are also scheduled.
