Angels rally to beat Cubs in final spring training game
THE GAME: After trailing by five runs in the third inning, the Angels rallied to beat the Chicago Cubs 8-7 on Saturday afternoon in Tempe, Ariz. The Angels scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth, including the game-tying run on Osmy Gregorio’s second triple of the game. Jeremiah Jackson drove in the winner on a single with no outs. The Angels finished the Arizona portion of spring training with a 16-10-2 record.
PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander Sam Bachman, one of the Angels’ top pitching prospects, started and pitched two scoreless innings. Bachman worked around two hits and two walks, striking out three. He left the bases loaded in the second when he struck out Nick Madrigal. “Just to show that I can compete, you don’t want to roll over in that scenario,” Bachman said. “I’m glad I was able to do that and I’m happy with how it went.” Bachman’s fastball was 94-97 mph. … Left-hander Matt Moore did not get through an inning. He recorded two outs and was charged with four runs. Moore, who signed a $7.55-million deal at the start of spring training, has allowed nine runs in 7 2/3 innings in Cactus League games. … Right-hander Ryan Tepera struck out the side. … Right-hander Carlos Estévez gave up a run. He allowed a one-out single. The runner stole second, went to third on a grounder and scored on a wild pitch.
HITTING REPORT: Luis Rengifo had a pair of singles and a walk and he scored on a Taylor Jones hit. Rengifo is 13 for 31 (.419) with a 1.247 OPS this spring. Rengifo has three hits in his last five at-bats against left-handed pitchers. Rengifo was much better against lefties last season, so he is expected to start against most lefties this season… Matt Thaiss is hitless in his last 16 at-bats. He’s now 7 for 29 (.241), but his 10 walks helped lift his OPS to .746. Thaiss is out of options. He and Logan O’Hoppe are battling for the backup catcher spot, although the Angels still could keep them both. … Jordyn Adams pulled an RBI double down the left-field line. Adams, a 23-year-old former first-round pick, is 12 for 34 (.353) with a 1.005 OPS in the spring.
DEFENSE REPORT: Rengifo quickly played a ball off the right-field fence and got it back in to the infield. On the next play, he got a late jump on a shallow pop and the ball dropped just out of his reach. Rengifo is normally an infielder, but the Angels are giving more reps in the outfield to make him an option when one of their starting outfielders needs a day off. … Second baseman Adrian Placencia was charged when an error when a ball hopped past him. … Thaiss, the catcher, threw a ball into center field on a stolen base attempt. … Left fielder Jeremiah Jackson sprinted into foul territory to make a catch.
UP NEXT: Angels vs. Dodgers, 6 p.m. Sunday, Dodger Stadium, Bally Sports West, 830 AM.