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Ben Sheets gives up 9 runs in win over White Sox

TUCSON, Ariz. — Jim Thome hit two of Chicago’s four home runs off an ineffective Ben Sheets, but the Milwaukee Brewers rallied for a 12-10 victory over the White Sox on Wednesday.

Beaten out for the starting second base job, Chicago utility man Alexei Ramirez helped his bid to play center field on opening day by hitting a grand slam off Sheets.

The right-hander gave up nine runs and eight hits in five innings. His next start is Monday in the season opener against the Chicago Cubs.

None of the homers Sheets yielded were cheap, although the windy conditions didn’t help.

“Thome’s would have gone 450 (feet) instead of 550,” Sheets said. “The homers really didn’t matter to me.”

Despite the rough outing, he said he’s prepared for opening day.

“There’s no choice. I’m ready to go,” Sheets said. “I thought I had pretty good stuff, not great.”

Thome has six homers this spring and nine hits in his last 24 at-bats. Ramirez’s second homer of the spring gave him 17 RBIs.

The White Sox picked Juan Uribe as their starting second baseman, which leaves Ramirez looking for a spot to play. Chicago is evaluating its best option in center field because Jerry Owens is expected to start the season on the disabled list with a strained groin.

Brian Anderson and Carlos Quentin were competing for the last outfield spot on the roster before Owens’ injury. Now, Ramirez has a chance at a starting assignment.

“I want him to impress me in April when he is on the team. I think this kid did more than I thought he was going to do,” White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. “This kid comes out and plays the game, plays the outfield, plays second base, shortstop. I am pretty impressed. I know it is not easy to come to the States for the first time and perform the way he does.”

Ramirez, who went 2-for-4 against the Brewers, is in his first spring training with the White Sox after playing the past seven years in Cuba. He is hitting .355.

“I think he does not have any fear. He feels comfortable out there,” Guillen said. “He believes in himself and he believes he is good. He has been playing great all spring training.”

Thome went 2-for-4 with four RBIs, and A.J. Pierzynski hit a solo homer.

Milwaukee jumped all over White Sox starter Gavin Floyd, who gave up six runs and nine hits in five innings. He struck out seven but allowed homers to Ryan Braun and Corey Hart.