PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) _ Sterling Hitchcock, making his first spring start, was pounded for five runs and five hits in 2 2-3 innings Thursday as the Chicago White Sox beat the San Diego Padres 7-1.

Hitchcock, slowed this spring by a bad left ankle, missed his first scheduled start because of arm tightness.

Including a two-inning relief appearance, Hitchcock has allowed seven runs and eight hits in 4 2-3 innings this spring. He is to start San Diego's season opener at the New York Mets on April 3.

Mark Johnson, who has stepped in at catcher for the injured Brook Fordyce (broken foot), was 2-for-3, putting Chicago ahead 2-0 in the second with a two-run double.

Johnson singled off non-roster right-hander Stan Spencer leading off the fourth and scored on Mike Caruso's single. Paul Konerko was 2-for-2 with a walk, two runs scored and two RBIs.

Jeff Abbott went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

Winner Kip Wells allowed one run and four hits in four innings, striking out three. He combined with Mark Buerhle, Keith Foulke and Jesus Pena to limit the Padres to seven hits, the first time San Diego has been held below 10 hits in six games this spring.,

Carlos Hernandez, seeking to reclaim his job as San Diego's starting catcher after missing 1999 because of a ruptured left Achilles' tendon, was 2-for-3 with a run scored and is 7-for-9.

Hernandez scored on an RBI single by Chris Gomez in the second.