March 09--AT THE PLATE -- Mike Trout singled to right field against starter Edinson Volquez in the first inning and hit his first home run of the spring, a 430-foot shot to left-center field against top pitching prospect Miguel Almonte, in the fifth. Albert Pujols singled twice, David Freese (single) and C.J. Cron (sacrifice fly) knocked in runs in a three-run first, and Grant Green, who entered at shortstop in the sixth, singled once in two at-bats.
ON THE MOUND: Matt Shoemaker rebounded from a rocky first inning, when he gave up four hits, including Eric Hosmer's two-run home run, to hold the Royals hitless in the second and third innings. Closer Huston Street showed good velocity in his first spring outing, giving up a hit in a scoreless fourth. The Angels blew a two-run lead in the ninth when right-hander Jeremy McBryde gave up four runs and five hits, including Orlando Calixte's score-tying, two-run triple to deep right field and run-scoring singles by Ryan Jackson and Gabriel Noriega.
EXTRA BASES: Daniel Robertson is making a strong early bid for a reserve outfield spot. He doubled and singled Friday against Colorado, and Sunday he raced in from left field and made a diving catch of Reymond Fuentes' ninth-inning popup. ... Outfielder Matt Joyce will be sidelined for a few days because of stiffness in his rib-cage area. Manager Mike Scioscia said the injury "shouldn't be an issue."
UP NEXT: Cincinnati Reds on Monday at 1 p.m. at Goodyear Ballpark. On the air: TV: FS West. Radio: 830.
