THE GAME: Mike Trout and Albert Pujols homered in the Angels’ 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Trout’s fourth homer, and second in as many days, carried about 430 feet to straightaway center. Pujols hit his first homer of the spring.
PITCHING REPORT: RHP Jered Weaver gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings. He did not walk a batter and struck out five. He threw 77 pitches. Weaver said his fastball command was the best it’s been in the spring Weaver’s next start, his last one before presumably starting on opening day, could be in a minor league game, so he can control the innings and ensure he’s able to get up for seven innings. In minor league games, teams can simply end innings at a certain pitch count, regardless of the number of outs. … LHP Nick Maronde retired two of the Royals’ best left-handed hitters: Eric Hosmer and Alex Gordon. … RHP Brandon Lyon worked a perfect ninth.
HITTING REPORT: DH Josh Hamilton went hitless in three at-bats in his third game of the spring. Hamilton is 2 for 9 after coming back from a strained calf. … Trout and Collin Cowgill doubled in the third inning, but the Angels didn’t score because Cowgill was doubled off second base when Erick Aybar popped up a bunt attempt.
DEFENSE REPORT: 2B Howie Kendrick made a nice backhand stop going over the middle. … CF Mike Trout dove to catch a sinking liner. … SS Erick Aybar went over the middle to make a good pickup.
UP NEXT: Angels (C.J. Wilson) vs. Royals (Aaron Brooks), Friday, Tempe Diablo Stadium, 1 p.m.
