Smyly’s scoreless run intact as Tigers beat Atlanta 9-2

3/8/2013

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Drew Smyly extended his scoreless streak to nine innings, strengthening his bid for the final spot in Detroit’s rotation, and the Tigers beat the Atlanta Braves 9-2 on Thursday night.

Smyly whiffed four in four innings, striking out the side in the second. The 23-year-old lefty started 18 games for Detroit last year and pitched in four postseason games.

Braves starter Julio Teheran allowed one run in four solid innings, lowering his ERA to 2.00 in his longest outing of the spring. Teheran made one start for Atlanta last season and is a top contender for this year’s rotation.

Danny Worth doubled twice and went 3 for 3 with two RBIs for the Tigers, raising his batting average to .389.

Juan Francisco homered for the Braves off Brayan Villarreal.

White Sox, Sale agreeon new 5-year contract

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox say they have agreed on a five-year, $32.5 million contract with left-handed starter Chris Sale.

The 23-year-old went 17-8 with a 3.05 EA and 192 strikeouts in his first season a starter. He was on the American League All-Star team and finished sixth in the Cy Young voting.

Chicago general manager Rich Hahn says the team is "thrilled to be able to reward Chris for his accomplishments," and said that Sale is one of the best young starters in the AL.

Sale will receive $850,000 in 2013, $3.5 million in 2014, $6.0 million in 2015, $9.15 million in 2016 and $12 million in 2017. The team holds options for 2018 ($12.5) and 2019 ($13.5). There is $1 million buyout on both team options.

White Sox starter Jose Quintana had a good start as he helped limit the Cubs to six hits in an 8-3 win Thursday afternoon. The right-hander went 3 2/3 innings as he allowed two hits, one earned on a Nate Schierholtz first-inning RBI triple, with one walk and four strikeouts.