The Los Angeles Angels rolled to a 3-0 victory over the Athletics at Las Vegas Ballpark on Saturday in spring training action. Oswald Peraza paced the offense, going 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. On the mound, Ryan Johnson turned in a solid outing, working 4.0 innings of scoreless ball with four strikeouts. The Angels finished with 10 hits on the day while holding the Athletics to 6. It was an encouraging performance for the Angels as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Oswald Peraza was the standout at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI. The ability to drive the ball into the gaps stood out. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Angels offense.
Nick Madrigal added to the attack, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, Wade Meckler provided support, going 2-for-3, and Bryce Teodosio also contributed, going 2-for-4. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Nick Kurtz led the Athletics offense with a 1-for-3 day. Bryan Lavastida also contributed, going 1-for-1. Jacob Wilson added a 1-for-3 with a double effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Angels pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Ryan Johnson earned the win after pitching effectively, working 4.0 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 1 hit with four strikeouts. He threw 55 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen was excellent, combining for 5.0 scoreless innings while striking out four. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Ryan Zeferjahn recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Ryan Zeferjahn stood out with 2.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out three. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Angels struck first, plating two runs in the fourth inning. The Angels tacked on a run in the fifth. The Angels out-hit Athletics 10-6 on the day, with 4 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 10,747 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Angels, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Angels are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.