Bourjos Homers, Trout Doubles And Triples In 8-6 Loss To Padres
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Peter Bourjos likes the makeup of the Los Angeles Angels lineup.
Bourjos homered, Mike Trout had a double and a triple, and the star-studded Angels roughed up Clayton Richard early, but the San Diego Padres rallied for an 8-6 win Wednesday.
"We have a lot of weapons," Bourjos said. "We have speed at the top and bottom of the order and a ton of guys who can hit the ball long. Sometimes, too, the speed and power overlap. If we get rolling in the regular season, we have a chance to be pretty good."
Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton both went 1 for 3 with an RBI for the formidable order that was similar to the one that will be used in the regular season. The only starter missing was Erick Aybar, who's with the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Pujols, serving as the designated hitter, ran the bases for the first time in a game. Recovering from offseason knee surgery, the Angels had received permission to use a runner for Pujols when he reached base before Wednesday.
Bourjos hit a two-run homer off Richard in the fourth. He knows that he won't be counted on to provide the pop in this order: Hamilton hit 43 home runs last year for Texas. Trout and Pujols hit 30 each. Mark Trumbo went deep 32 times.
"I don't think the exact order matters right now, as long as the individuals are making progress and getting their work in," Bourjos said. "But when you see all those names on the lineup card, it is pretty impressive."
Richard was making his second start of the spring. His previous start, on Friday, was wiped out by inclement weather.
Focusing primarily on low-strike fastballs and his changeup, Richard produced mixed results. He allowed five runs and nine hits in five innings.
"I like that he got his pitch count up and got through five," Padres manager Bud Black said. "He left some pitches up, but he'll get them down. Clayton has three starts left in the spring, and he'll be able to make the progress needed to be ready when it matters most."
Los Angeles starter Joe Blanton allowed two runs on five hits in five innings.
The Padres took the lead in the eighth inning on a three-run error by left fielder Matt Young on a deep fly hit by minor leaguer Daniel Robertson.
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