Angels Prevail Despite Joe Blanton’s Shaky Outing

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The emotionless look on Joe Blanton’s face said it all; four earned runs and four base on balls through 4 1/3 innings won’t cut it as a starter. The right hander delivered another uninspiring performance Saturday in the Los Angeles Angels 9-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Blanton gave up runs in each of the first three innings, raising his spring training ERA to 7.08. After giving up a first inning home run to Carlos Gomez, Blanton walk Martin Maldonado to lead off the second and subsequently gave up an RBI single to Rickie Weeks. The outing comes on the heels of Blanton’s three run, two walk game against the Chicago Cubs on March 17.

In the top of the fifth, Josh Hamilton launch a Kyle Lohse fastball to the right field lawn for his first round-tripper of the spring. Hamilton was 2 for 3 on the day, raising his batting average to .294.

Mike Trout’s sixth multi-hit game in the Cactus League began with a solo shot in the first inning. The Angels’ center fielder has a team leading five home runs through 16 games.

The Angels head back to Tempe Diablo Stadium tomorrow as Garrett Richard takes the mound against the Cleveland Indians. Game time is 1:05 p.m. and it can be seen on Fox Sports West.