In a Cactus League game that had a little bit of everything the Angels and Cubs played to a 4-4 tie Thursday in Mesa, Arizona. Kyren Paris stole the show with a clutch two-run homer in the 9th inning to cap off a wild game where both teams had their moments. Here’s the recap.
The Game: Paris Comes Through
With two outs in the 9th and the Angels down 4-2 Kyren Paris stepped up and hit a tying two-run homer. This is Paris’ second game-tying hit in the 9th inning this spring and he’s a guy who rises to the occasion.
“You can see the growth right in front of you,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Paris. “It’s a totally different guy than last spring.”
The Angels’ offense also got a boost from Tim Anderson who hit his first homer of the spring and walked. Anderson a two-time batting champ and non-roster invitee is making a case to be the Angels’ starting shortstop while Zach Neto is out.
Pitching Report: Dana Shines After Mechanical Tweak
Righty Caden Dana was lights out in three innings, striking out three and retiring all nine batters he faced. After struggling in his first outing (3 runs, didn’t get through two innings) Dana credits a mechanical adjustment for the turnaround.
“It helped my fastball and gave me confidence through everything else,” Dana said. Starting in place of Jack Kochanowicz, who was sidelined due to illness, Dana delivered against a lineup full of Cubs major leaguers.
Hans Crouse Continues Dominance
Another standout on the mound was Hans Crouse , who pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts. Crouse has been flawless this spring, retiring all six batters he’s faced while striking out five. His performance reinforces his status as a reliable arm in the Angels’ bullpen.
Hitting Report: Anderson and Rada Shine
Veteran shortstop Tim Anderson finally got his first hit of the spring (a homer) and the Angels dugout was electric. Anderson, a two-time batting champ, also walked and showed he could get on base. As a non-roster invitee Anderson is making a strong case to be the starting shortstop until Zach Neto gets back.
Outfielder Nelson Rada made an impression not just with his bat but also with his hustle. After singling, Rada beat out what appeared to be a routine force play at second base, demonstrating the kind of energy that can change the course of a game.
Defense Report: Stellar Plays Up the Middle
Shortstop Scott Kingery showed off his defense with a backhand play on a ball up the middle. Then he threw a strike to the bag on the run and the fans and coaches were impressed.
Double Play Chemistry
Kingery teamed up with Tim Anderson to execute a crisp double play in the fifth inning. Their quick collaboration ended the frame and showcased the chemistry developing between the two middle infielders.