TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)—Torii Hunter hit an RBI triple and a double, leading the Los Angeles Angels over the Oakland Athletics 6-1 Monday.
Hunter tripled home a run in the first inning off Rich Harden and later hit his third double of spring training.
“He’s had six hits in seven at-bats this spring. He feels good about where his stroke is,” manager Mike Scioscia said.
Angels lefty Joe Saunders worked two scoreless innings in his first exhibition start. He was 8-5 with a 4.44 ERA last year and is hoping to earn a spot in the rotation.
Saunders said he changed his offseason workout regimen to put less strain on his pitching elbow, which bothered him slightly last spring.
“I threw earlier and more often this year,” he said. “I thought that maybe my elbow was tight from throwing too much in spring.”
Harden allowed four hits and two runs in three innings of his spring debut. He was 1-2 with a 2.45 ERA last season after being limited to 13 starts over the past two seasons because of injuries.
“I’ve put (the injuries) behind me,” he said. “I’d like to stop talking about them. I don’t want (the injuries) to be a distraction. There’s no reason for me to not be healthy this season.”
Notes
Scioscia said RHP John Lackey should be able to get his needed five spring starts and be ready as the projected opening day starter. A sore throwing elbow has kept Lackey out of action, although he threw off the mound Monday. … Hunter, Casey Kotchman and Howie Kendrick each had two of the Angels’ 12 hits.
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