St. Louis Cardinals pitching notched a four-hit shutout on Friday to drop the Chicago White Sox to 6-26 on the season. The 3-0 loss is the ninth time Chicago has been held scoreless. Nolan Arenado drove in all three Cardinals runs, two of which came in the first inning.
White Sox' righty Brad Keller made his first start of the year and surrendered all three St. Louis runs. Chicago is searching for innings with multiple struggling starters failing to provide length and over-taxing their bullpen. The veteran, acquired by the White Sox in March, tossed 102 pitches in 4.2 innings. He struck out five, walked two, and gave up five hits.
Recently recalled reliever Jared Shuster took over for Keller with one out in the fifth. The lefty held the Cardinals scoreless for 3.1 innings, allowing a hit and a walk with two punchouts.
Brad Keller's Early Struggles
However, the Cardinals' damage had already been done. Keller allowed two runs in the first when Arenado doubled after Paul Goldschmidt's walk and Wilson Contreras's double.
The Sox starter labored through most of his outing and allowed a walk to Contreras and a two-out RBI double to Arenado before departing in the fifth.
"I battled the whole night," Keller said. "I felt like I always had someone on base, which sucked, want to clean that up, but all in all felt good. One to build on."
Sonny Gray had few issues with White Sox hitters over his seven innings. The former AL Central foe surrendered three hits and issued one walk. JoJo Romero and Ryan Helsley threw two perfect innings in relief to lock in the Cardinals win.
News and Notes
Danny Mendick, initially announced in the starting lineup, was scratched due to back tightness. No additional details about his availability exist at this time.
What's On Tap Next?
On Saturday, Erick Fedde looks to build upon his excellent start to the year against former White Sox starter Lance Lynn. First pitch is at 1:15 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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