OC Register: Angels pitchers are sharp in Cactus League opening victory

[AngelsWin.com]

THE GAME: Angels pitchers gave up just two hits in a 5-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants before a crowd of 863 socially-distanced fans in the Cactus League opener for both teams Dunday at Scottsdale Stadium. The game lasted just seven innings, which will be the norm this spring. “All the stuff we had been working on with each (pitcher), they kind of did it,” Manager Joe Maddon said.

PITCHING REPORT: In his Angels debut, LHP José Quintana threw 22 pitches in a scoreless inning. He hit the first batter of the game (fellow Colombian Donovan Solano) and then he walked Buster Posey, before retiring the next three hitters on a popout and two flyouts. “My arm felt really good,” Quintana said. “That’s what I need to see. The next step is my command needs to be better. My fastball I felt really good down in the zone, but I need more first pitches for strikes.”… LHP Patrick Sandoval worked a scoreless inning, striking out two and walking one…RHP Gerardo Reyes left the game with right elbow discomfort. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury. Reyes is among a half dozen pitchers competing for one of the last bullpen spots… RHP Jake Faria, who took over the middle of the inning when Reyes left, retired all five batters he faced… LHP Dillon Peters struck out two in a scoreless inning.

HITTING REPORT: Jo Adell hit the ball hard in his first at-bat, but it was right to the third baseman for a double play. Adell also drew a walk and  then beat out a force at second… Luis Rengifo doubled into left-center for the Angels first hit of the day, and also drew a bases-loaded walk… Anthony Bemboom opposite field single into left to drive in a run… David Fletcher walked twice… Jared Walsh pulled a single into right field and drew a walk…  The Angels drew eight walks, including two with the bases loaded.

DEFENSE REPORT: RF Adell slipped and fell as he was going back for a ball that hit on the warning track. It was ruled a double. “Not a whole lot you can do when a guy slips like that,” Maddon said… CF Juan Lagares made a nice play running toward the track… 3B Phil Gosselin made a tough play charging on a slow chopper… Gosselin and 2B Kean Wong combined to turn a slick double play to end the game.

UP NEXT: Angels vs. White Sox, Monday, noon PT, Tempe Diablo Stadium, Fox Sports West, 830 AM.

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[Angels 1961]

Angels will have a number of lefties in mix for a spot in pen.