LA Angels: Early takeaways from Halos first spring win over Giants

Angels pitchers got off to a good start, allowing just two hits in a 5-2 win over the Giants in seven innings on Sunday.

Some notes and takeaways from the Angels first spring training win.

The newly acquired Jose Quintana took the mound in the first inning and allowed the first two base runners via hit-by-pitch and walk. Quintana settled down and retired the next three batters on a popout and flyouts to finish his 22-pitch inning.

“My arm felt really good,” Quintana said. “That’s what I need to see. The next step is my command needs to be better. My fastball I felt really good down in the zone, but I need more first pitches for strikes.”

Fellow lefty Patrick Sandoval followed up with a scoreless second inning, striking out two batters and walking one. Gerardo Reyes entered in the third inning, allowing two hits and striking out one batter before leaving the game with elbow discomfort. There is no word on the severity of the injury.

Offensively, the Halos took a patient approach at the plate combining for eight walks, two of which came with the bases loaded. David Fletcher accounted for two of those walks in the leadoff spot. Luis Rengifo got the Halos in the hit column with a double, the only extra-base knock of the six total hits from the Angels.

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Some notable takeaways from the outfield position battle include Jo Adell who finished 0-for-1 with a walk, run scored, and grounded into a double play. Adell also slipped and fell on a ball going over his head in right field, which was ruled a double.

Juan Lugares finished 1-for-2 with an RBI and made a nice running catch in center field. Jon Jay (0-for-3, K) and Scott Schebler (0-for-2, 2 K) went hitless in their at-bats. Top prospect Brandon Marsh also entered as a pinch hitter and drew a walk in his only plate appearance.

Overall, it was a nice start for the Angels to open up spring training play. The patient approach at the plate will be something to keep an eye on in the next few weeks, as will the execution from Angels starters and relievers.

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Sure it’s spring training, and these games don’t count, but a win is better than a loss. The little things we see now will be a precedent when the regular season begins.

Up next for the Angels is the spring home opener against the White Sox on Monday at noon from Tempe Diablo Stadium.