OC Register: Aaron Hicks, Zach Neto continue sizzling spring performances in Angels’ victory

[AngelsWin.com]

THE GAME: Zach Neto and Aaron Hicks homered in the Angels’ 10-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday afternoon in Tempe, Ariz.

PITCHING REPORT: Left-hander Reid Detmers gave up one run in 4⅔ innings, on 81 pitches. In the first inning, Detmers got a strikeout when Will Benson was called for a timer violation with two strikes. Detmers also walked two in the inning. Detmers did not issue another walk, although he hit a batter. He struck out seven. “He was outstanding,” Manager Ron Washington said. “He didn’t have a whole lot of command of his fastball the way he would have liked to, but he was able to use his offspeed pitches, and then he was able to spot some fastballs up when he had to. He was working fast, hitting the strike zone and making them swing the bat.” Detmers has allowed five earned runs in 13⅓ innings this spring, with 20 strikeouts. … Left-hander José Suarez gave up five runs in the sixth inning. He remained in the game and pitched scoreless innings in the seventh, eighth and ninth. Suarez, who is out of options, is expected to make the Opening Day roster as a long reliever.

HITTING REPORT: Hicks doubled, homered and drew two walks. He also stole two bases. Hicks is 12 for 32 (.375) with 10 walks this spring. He has a .524 on-base percentage and an OPS of 1.243. “He seems like he’s getting some new life,” Washington said. “I’m happy that he’s getting that new life here because he’s been on some great teams and some teams that have been in the playoffs with regularity. He looks like he’s in great shape. And he’s playing the game. He’s someone we can use to make an impression on our young kids.” … Zach Neto was 3 for 3 with a two-run homer, his third of the spring. Neto is 14 for 42 (.333) this spring. … Brandon Drury led off the second with a double, one of his two hits, and he scored on a Jo Adell single. … Mike Trout was hitless in four at-bats, falling to 9 for 39 (.205) this spring. … Drury also had a single. …The Angels stole five bases, including two for Adell.

DEFENSE REPORT: Hicks made a sliding catch in right field. … Adell slipped while charging a sinking line drive, but he was able to keep the ball in front of him and hold the hitter to a single.

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INJURY REPORT: Luis Rengifo came out of the game with left hamstring tightness after beating out a potential double play in the first inning. Rengifo missed a couple of weeks earlier in the spring with a hamstring issue. Immediately after the game, Washington said there was no update to the seriousness of the injury. If Rengifo has to start the season on the injured list, the Angels would likely keep Miguel Sanó and one of the middle infield backups: Livan Soto or Ehire Adrianza.

UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson) vs. Giants (RHP Jordan Hicks) at Tempe Diablo Stadium, Wednesday, 1:10 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM; Angels (RHP Andrew Wantz) at Royals (RHP Brady Singer) at Surprise Stadium, Wednesday, 6:05 p.m., no TV or radio.

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