THE GAME: The Angels blanked the Chicago White Sox, 2-0, in the final home game of the Arizona portion of spring training on Friday afternoon in Tempe, Ariz.
PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander José Soriano pitched six innings, against a split squad that did not include any of the White Sox’s projected starters. Soriano struck out eight and walked none. He threw 71 pitches, including 54 strikes. He did not have a three-ball count. He hit 100 mph with his fastball. “That was outstanding,” Manager Ron Washington said. “That had to be the best outing in all of spring training. To throw 71 pitches in six innings and no walks, you just don’t see that that often.” The Angels have not said if they plan to have Soriano remain as a starter or go back to the bullpen, which became an option after right-hander Robert Stephenson’s injury. The Angels are currently set with Patrick Sandoval, Griffin Canning, Reid Detmers, Tyler Anderson and Chase Silseth as the five major league starters, so if Soriano remains in the rotation, it would likely be in the minors until there’s a need or he forces his way to big leagues. Washington wouldn’t tip his hand on the decision after Friday’s game, but he smiled and said: “When you do that, that’s what you want to see a starter do, and he did it today.” … Right-handers José Cisnero, Adam Cimber and Carlos Estévez pitched the final three innings, facing just one hitter over the minimum.
HITTING REPORT: Anthony Rendon was hitless in two at-bats. Rendon is 5 for 24 (.208) with eight walks this spring, giving him a .424 on-base percentage. Manager Ron Washington is experimenting with Rendon as the leadoff hitter. … Mike Trout was 0 for 1 with a walk. Trout is 9 for 42 (.214) with 18 strikeouts. … Ehire Adrianza successfully executed a suicide squeeze in the fourth inning, knocking in the first run of the game. The Angels used the play twice this week.
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DEFENSE REPORT: Third baseman Arol Vera made a nice backhand play behind the bag and then a throw across the diamond to get an out. … Right fielder Aaron Hicks made a nice catch on a ball going toward the fence.
UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Matt Moore) at Athletics (RHP Ross Stripling) at Hohokam Stadium, Saturday, 12:05 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM