OC Register: Michael Lorenzen sharp in Angels debut, but late runs lead to loss against A’s

[AngelsWin.com]

THE GAME: The Angels blew an early five-run lead in a 10-8 loss to the Oakland A’s in their Cactus League opener on Friday afternoon at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.

PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander Michael Lorenzen retired all six batters he faced in two innings, throwing 22 pitches. Lorenzen reached 96 mph with his fastball. Lorenzen said he was prepared for the shortened spring by putting himself into simulated games as soon as the spring training games were originally supposed to start. Lorenzen, who grew up in Orange County, also said he had “a lot of adrenaline going. Even though it’s a spring training game, it’s good to pitch for my hometown team.” … Right-hander Brian Moran followed Lorenzen with a perfect inning. … After that, the Angels gave up runs in five consecutive innings, using all pitchers who are expected to start the season in the minors. … Right-hander Ryan Smith gave up a three-run homer to Skye Bolt in the eighth, giving the A’s a 10-8 lead. The Angels had led 5-0.

HITTING REPORT: Jo Adell had a pair of hits, including a booming two-run home run to left field. Adell’s second hit was a sharp hopper right at third baseman Kevin Smith, who couldn’t make the play. … Braxton Martinez, up from minor league camp, had two hits, including an RBI double in his first at-bat in a big-league spring training game. Martinez, 28, spent four years in independent baseball and another year waiting out the pandemic before the Angels gave him a shot at Class-A last season. “This was so cool,” Martinez said. “This was probably the coolest baseball game I had so far.” … Andrew Velazquez, who is competing for a middle infield job, had two hits. … Chad Wallach hit a homer. Wallach is likely set to be one of the Angels’ Triple-A catchers. … Michael Stefanic had an RBI double.

DEFENSE REPORT: In the first game of the spring, Manager Joe Maddon opted to use incumbent Luis Rengifo at second base and newcomer Tyler Wade at shortstop. Both are competing for the shortstop job. Maddon said nothing should be read into it, and both would play both positions. Rengifo made a leaping catch of a blooper. Andrew Velazquez finished the game at shortstop and Stefanic played second. … Maddon said he was impressed with how Adell handled a tough sun field in right field. … Right fielder Jose Rojas made a diving catch to save at least two runs with the Angels holding a one-run lead in the seventh. He earlier misplayed a fly ball into a triple.

UP NEXT: Angels vs. Diamondbacks, Saturday, 1 p.m. PT, Tempe Diablo Stadium, Bally Sports So Cal, 830 AM

Related Articles

• Angels manager Joe Maddon thrilled with bullpen upgrades
• Angels newcomer Noah Syndergaard: ‘Best I’ve felt in a long time’
• With newfound passion for the game, Ty Buttrey looks to return to Angels
• Angels add Ryan Tepera, Archie Bradley to bolster bullpen
• Angels sign veteran infielder Matt Duffy to 1-year deal

View the full article