The Los Angeles Angels secured a thrilling 10-9 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 10, 2024, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona. This game marked the return of Mike Trout to center field for the first time in nearly two years, a significant milestone for the star player and the team.
Pitching Performance Highlights
In his first outing of the spring, right-hander Alek Manoah delivered two scoreless innings, facing the minimum six batters. Manoah, who threw 25 pitches, managed just 11 strikes but effectively navigated through challenges thanks to two double plays. His fastball registered at 93-94 mph in the first inning, a velocity he described as “perfect.” Although it dipped slightly in the second inning, Manoah explained that adjustments were made due to a slide step with a runner on base.
Other notable pitching performances included right-hander Hunter Strickland, who pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout, and right-hander Walbert Ureña, who gave up a run in his two innings but averaged 98 mph on his fastball, reaching as high as 100 mph.
The Angels initially held a commanding 6-1 lead when right-hander Chase Silseth entered the game in the sixth. Unfortunately, Silseth surrendered six runs, including two doubles and a home run, forcing the Angels to rally back. Right-hander Sam Bachman struggled in the seventh, loading the bases with only two outs, but left-hander Dylan Phillips stepped in to secure the final out without any additional runs crossing the plate.
Trout’s Impact at the Plate
Returning to center field, Trout made an immediate impact at the plate. He recorded a walk and a single in his first two at-bats, expressing his excitement about finally playing in a stadium environment after a lengthy recovery. “Stuff I’ve been working on in practice, it’s tough to do it in live BPs. Finally good to be in a stadium with some crowds, get some adrenaline going,” Trout noted.
Additional offensive contributions came from Adam Frazier, who walked and drove in a run with a single, and José Siri, who smashed a 110 mph line drive off the center field fence for a double. Niko Kavadas also shone, driving in two runs—one with a double off the right field fence and the other with a single to left field, helping restore the Angels’ lead after Silseth’s tumultuous inning.
In a quirky moment, Yolmer Sanchez reached base on a bunt single that the Diamondbacks attempted to let roll foul but stopped just on the third base line. Additionally, Juan Flores, a 20-year-old catching prospect for the Angels, hit a home run, adding to the team’s offensive tally.
Defensive Highlights
Trout’s return to center field was met with a sense of relief and excitement. He had spent most of the previous season sidelined with injuries and had transitioned to right field and designated hitter roles. His last start in center field was on April 29, 2024. During the game, Trout handled one routine fly ball in four innings, remarking, “It feels good to be out there. It’s where I’m comfortable. I just like being out there.”
First baseman Trey Mancini also showcased his defensive skills, executing two unassisted double plays. He fielded a ground ball in the first inning, stepped on the bag, and chased down a runner. In the second inning, he caught a foul pop and stepped on the bag for the second out. Sanchez, the shortstop, made a sliding play up the middle to secure the final out of the game.
As the Angels celebrate this early spring victory, they look ahead to their next match against the Texas Rangers, scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2024, at 12:10 p.m. PT. The game will feature left-hander Reid Detmers on the mound for the Angels against left-hander Jack Leiter from the Rangers.
