Blanton Pitches Five Shutout Innings as Angels Beat Rangers

By Jose Serrano
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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Blanton’s discouraging spring training received a much need boost in an Angels 12-1 victory Wednesday as he pitched five shutout innings against a star-studded Texas lineup.

Blanton held Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre hitless, allowing only two Rangers on base; a stark contrast from his previous March appearances. If Blanton makes the Angels’ 25-man roster, one can point to his performance today as the reason.

The right-hander had pitched 6 2/3 innings entering the game, giving up nine runs on eleven hits. On March 7, the Colorado Rockies blitzed Blanton for four home runs, two coming from perennial All-Star Troy Tulowitzki.

Colin Cowgill produced all the offense the Angels would need, hitting a second-inning three-run home run off Alexi Ogando. With the team’s starting outfield set, and Raul Ibanez transferring to a first base/designated hitter role, Cowgill is battling J.B. Shuck, Chad Tracy, and Matt Long for a bench spot.

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