MESA, Ariz. -- Jeff Samardzjia gave up two runs over three innings in his first start with the Chicago White Sox, enjoying a double homecoming in a 10-4 victory over the Oakland A's on Sunday.
Adam Eaton, Jose Abreu and Carlos Sanchez each drove in a pair of runs for the White Sox, who ended a three-game skid. George Kottaras hit a home run.
Samardzjia, who gave up three hits, walked one and struck out one, was 5-6 with a 3.14 ERA in 16 starts for the A's last year after being acquired from the Cubs. He made his major league debut with the Cubs, who formerly occupied HoHoKam Park.
Samardzjia arrived early at the park to visit with his former teammates. He took an informal tour of his former spring training home, commenting on the upgrades.
"He felt like the minute he walked into our clubhouse, he'd been there for a while," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "His personality was such that he fit in from day one."
Said Samardzjia: "That was a fun team to play for. It was a great time for me.
After his outing, he returned to the A's clubhouse and talked to several pitchers, who formed a circle around him.
"He's cool," A's outfielder Coco Crisp said. "Only in spring training."
Billy Butler hit a home run and Craig Gentry drove in a run for the A's, who lost for the first time in six exhibition games.
Drew Pomeranz helped his chances of securing a spot in the starting rotation with two scoreless innings. He allowed two hits, walked one and struck out four.
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