Hanson working to limit opponents' running game

ANAHEIM -- Stolen bases are often blamed on the catcher, but it is rarely that simple.

Before the catcher has a chance to fire a strike to either second or third base, the pitcher needs to deliver the ball in a timely fashion.

Stolen bases have hampered Tommy Hanson throughout his career, and entering Friday's contest, opponents were 15-for-16 when the right-hander was on the mound.

However, Hanson has made some recent adjustments, and they were evident in Friday's results.

"Tommy's getting comfortable with some adjustments," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's had issues his whole career just trying to control the running game, but yesterday was indicative of a guy working hard and figuring it out."

And catcher Chris Iannetta capitalized on that opportunity Friday.

In the Angels 7-5 victory over the Blue Jays, Iannetta threw out a trio of runners trying to steal second base.

"He put a lot of work in and is a lot quicker to the plate," Iannetta said. "Early in the year, I think he was between 1.7 and 1.9 to the plate. Now, he is way lower than that and has given me and Hank [Conger] a chance to throw guys out."

Emilio Bonifacio and Jose Reyes were caught in the third and Iannetta nabbed Edwin Encarnacion in the fourth.

"It's great to get results, that's the goal," Iannetta said. "The tough part is to make sure you don't rush and make a bad throw. There were a couple spurts throughout the year where I have rushed to try to make up some time and I one-hopped some balls, which isn't so bad, you don't want to overthrow it, but obviously the goal is to make a clean throw."