The Los Angeles Angels rolled to a 10-7 victory over the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Sunday in spring training action. Chris Taylor paced the offense, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Victor Mederos worked 3.0 innings on the mound, allowing 4 earned runs on 2 hits. The Angels finished with 12 hits on the day while holding the Rangers to 9. 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
Chris Taylor was the top performer at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI. He put together quality at-bats throughout the game. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Angels offense.
Gage Harrelson provided support, going 2-for-2 with two RBI, Kendrey Maduro also contributed, going 1-for-2 with two RBI, and Sebastián Rivero chipped in, going 1-for-4 with two RBI. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Evan Carter led the Rangers offense with a 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and four RBI day. Josh Smith also contributed, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI. Malcolm Moore added a 1-for-1 with an RBI effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Angels pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Victor Mederos got the start, having a rough go of it, working 3.0 innings while allowing 4 earned runs on 2 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 60 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 6.0 innings of work, allowing 3 earned runs while striking out nine. 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. Camden Minacci recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Sam Bachman stood out with 2.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out five. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Angels struck first, scoring a run in the first inning. Rangers countered with four runs in the first. The Angels struck back with a run in the third. Rangers answered with two runs in the sixth. The Angels responded with six runs in the seventh. Rangers countered with a run in the eighth. The Angels struck back with two runs in the ninth. The Angels spread their scoring across four different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Angels out-hit Rangers 12-9 on the day, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 6,231 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.