Blanton Pitches Five Shutout Innings as Angels Beat Rangers

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.