By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Harvey solid in debut, Angels rally to beat A’s
AP LOGO 3.jpg

OAKLAND (AP) — Matt Harvey pitched solidly in his first game with the Angels, Andrelton Simmons hit a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning and Los Angeles beat the Oakland Athletics 6-2 on Friday night for its first victory under new manager Brad Ausmus.

Mike Trout doubled in two runs, Kole Calhoun had an RBI single and Justin Bour drew a bases-loaded walk to spark an Angels offense that failed to score over the first 16 innings of the season.

Oakland’s Khris Davis homered for the second straight day, but the A’s normally reliable bullpen didn’t hold the lead. Davis, who led the majors with 48 home runs in 2018, has three in four games.

Harvey was coming off an uneven spring but was sharp in his first start since signing an $11 million, one-year deal with the Angels in December. The former Mets ace allowed two runs and four hits in six innings. He pushed his fastball over 95 mph while walking three and striking out one.

The Angels managed two hits off starter Marco Estrada and reliever Lou Trivino before scoring four times in the eighth.

Jonathan Lucroy and Brian Goodwin singled off reliever Joakim Soria (0-1). After Calhoun doubled in Lucroy, Trout was intentionally walked to load the bases. Ryan Buchter replaced Soria and walked Bour to force in a run. Simmons, who was hitless in the opener Thursday, followed with a sharp single to right-center off Liam Hendriks to drive in Calhoun and Trout.

Trout hit a two-run double off Fernando Rodney in the ninth.

Hansel Robles (1-0) retired three batters. Ty Buttrey pitched a scoreless eighth and Cody Allen worked the ninth.

Estrada allowed two hits over six innings, struck out three and walked two.


TRAINER’S ROOM

Angels: OF Justin Upton will miss eight to 12 weeks after being diagnosed with turf toe in his left foot. Upton was injured after running into the outfield wall chasing a flyball Sunday during an exhibition game. The Angels placed Upton on the injured list Thursday with hopes of a quick return. “It’s certainly not ideal,” Ausmus said.


UP NEXT

LHP Brett Anderson makes his first start of the season for Oakland on Saturday night while Los Angeles counters with RHP Felix Pena. Anderson is coming off a strong spring when he had a 2.87 ERA. Pena was 3-5 in 2018.