TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Trout went 3 for 3 and made an impressive first-inning catch, leading the Los Angeles Angels to an 8-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday.
The star center fielder stretched and sprawled to rob Billy Burns on the first play of the game.
“Guys who have been around here a little bit just laugh about it,” Angels starter Garrett Richards said. “When he does things like that, it’s just like, ‘Here he goes again.’”
Trout added two singles and a double in the first four innings of the Angels’ spring training home opener at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Kole Calhoun also had three hits and scored two runs for the Angels, and newcomers Geovany Soto and Daniel Nava added RBI singles. Los Angeles relievers combined for seven scoreless innings of six-hit ball.
“We had a good day,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “There were some things we didn’t get done, but we looked good pressuring them offensively.”
Andrew Lambo had an RBI single among his two hits for Oakland.
Los Angeles scored twice off A’s reliever Ryan Doolittle, the younger brother of Oakland closer Sean Doolittle.
STARTING TIME
Athletics: Non-roster lefty Eric Surkamp gave up four hits and one run in two innings.
Angels: Richards yielded two runs and two hits over two innings, getting into a bit of trouble in the second. Los Angeles’ presumptive ace felt some inconsistency in his delivery. “It was good to get back out there and compete again and have a player from another team in the box, get that visual in the game atmosphere,” Richards said. “The body feels good, arm feels good, leg feels good. Just working out those early kinks.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Angels: New shortstop Andrelton Simmons is expected to play Friday, but might be the designated hitter because of arm soreness.
UP NEXT
Athletics: Top prospect Sean Manaea pitches at home against Colorado, while the other half of the split squad visits Zack Greinke and the Diamondbacks.
Angels: Jered Weaver makes his first appearance in the final season of his contract when the Angels visit the Cubs.