TUCSON—Chicago White Sox ace Mark Buehrle joked about being ready to throw a complete game.
Based on the four scoreless innings he pitched for the White Sox in a 5-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, he might not be joking for long.
“I could have gone out there for longer. Obviously I was just trying to get my work in,” Buehrle said. “It is the same thing every (spring) you just go out there and get your innings in.”
Buerhle, who was scratched from an intrasquad game a couple of weeks ago, planned to work three innings but went to a fourth because the outing was going smoothly. He gave up a hit and walked one.
“I am really happy. I feel good,” Buehrle said. “I am building up endurance and the pitch count to get seven or eight innings.”
Colorado starter Franklin Morales is looking for more innings as well after allowing two runs and three hits in three innings.
The left-hander is competing for the Rockies’ fourth or fifth starting job after posting a 3-2 record and a 3.43 ERA in eight starts a year ago.
Morales, considered one of the Rockies’ top young pitchers, allowed a homer to Jermaine Dye. He pitched 20 consecutive scoreless innings last season.
“I need to work a little more on my changeup,” Morales said. “When I am behind in the count I need to make the pitch.”
Notes:@ Chicago outfielder Jerry Owens is out for a few days with a right groin injury he originally sustained Feb. 25 during an intrasquad game. Owens, competing for the starting center field job and lead off role in the lineup, was scratched against Colorado. He is batting .385 (5-for-13). … Outfielder Carlos Quentin availability is day to day after being taken out of the starting lineup because of a sore shoulder. The offseason acquisition from Arizona is rehabbing from left shoulder surgery in October. … Colorado pitcher Jason Hirsh did not make his scheduled pitching outing because of a sore shoulder. The right-hander is expected to throw again on Sunday against Arizona. … Rockies shortstop Omar Quintanilla left the game with a left quad contusion after diving for a foul ball in the fifth inning.
