Padres Rout Samardzija and White Sox 8-2 as Shields Tunes Up

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — James Shields allowed three hits in three scoreless innings, Jedd Gyorko hit a three-run homer in a five-run first inning against Jeff Samardzija and the San Diego Padres beat a Chicago White Sox split squad 8-2 Wednesday in the final game of the Cactus League season at Camelback Ranch.

Shields struck out two and walked none in what he said was an “ideal” length for a tuneup before Monday’s opener at the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will start NL MVP Clayton Kershaw.

Samardzija gave up five runs and six hits in four innings. All but one of the hits came in the first inning, before the right-hander and catcher Tyler Flowers made adjustments.

Samardzija pitches Chicago’s opener Monday at AL champion Kansas City.

Chris Sale threw 90 pitches in a minor league game against Cincinnati Reds prospects in Glendale, his first game action since a broken foot sidelined him on Feb. 27.

“It was nice to get back on the mound and do what I’m supposed to do,” said Sale, who reported no problems in moving around and covering first base on one play. If his next minor league outing goes well, Sale could be back in the Chicago rotation as early as April 11.