Rios’ homer leads White Sox over Padres 8-5

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Alex Rios smacked a two-run home run, and the Chicago White Sox had 13 hits in an 8-5 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday night.

Rios’ shot highlighted the White Sox’s three-run first inning against Padres starter Mat Latos.

Latos, in line to be San Diego’s opening day starter at St. Louis, didn’t allow another run despite giving up eight hits and three walks in four-plus innings.

Juan Pierre went 2 for 3 with two runs, and Carlos Quentin had three hits for Chicago.

Padres reliever Ernesto Frieri bailed Latos out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning with three quick outs, including two strikeouts. San Diego closer Heath Bell pitched also struck out two in a scoreless inning.

Chicago’s Mark Buehrle was scratched from the scheduled start because of the threat of rain. Buehrle will pitch Tuesday in a Triple-A game against the Cincinnati Reds.