GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- C.J. Cron isn't known as a speedster, but the 6-foot-4 first baseman helped manufacture a run Wednesday by swiping home as part of a well-executed double steal in the second inning of the Angels' 9-0 win over the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.
Cron reached base after left-hander Amir Garrett bobbled his comebacker to the mound, and then he advanced to second on Garrett's subsequent throwing error on the play. Ben Revere followed with a single, giving the Angels runners on the corners with one out. With Cliff Pennington at the plate, the fleet-footed Revere took off for second and successfully slid into the bag ahead of catcher Rob Brantly's throw, allowing Cron to dash home and give the Halos a 1-0 lead. The double steal helped spark a five-run inning for the Angels, who snapped a three-game losing streak Wednesday.
Manager Mike Scioscia, a well-known proponent of small-ball tactics, has said the Angels plan to run more this season after adding more speed to their lineup through the offseason additions of Revere and Cameron Maybin. Star center fielder Michael Trout also plans to be a basestealing threat and has set 40 stolen bases as one of his goals for 2017.
"A couple years ago, we scored a lot of runs without stealing bases," Scioscia said earlier this spring. "This year, I think we're going to steal a lot of runs with stealing bases."