Angels top Giants in pitchers' duel

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The opposing starting pitchers looked sharp during extended outings Sunday in Anaheim's 3-0 victory over San Francisco on Sunday at Scottsdale Stadium.

Winning hurler Jarrod Washburn (3-0), the probable No. 2 Angels starter, blanked the Giants over 6 1/3 frames, allowing only five hits. He was helped by back-to-back doubles from Jeff DaVanon and Bengie Molina and a wild pitch by Giants reliever Felix Rodriguez (0-1), all of which accounted for Anaheim's two runs in the seventh.

For his part, it appears increasingly likely that Sunday's Giants starter Kirk Rueter will get the Opening Day nod.

The veteran left-hander blanked the Angels over 5 2/3 innings in his final Arizona appearance, yielding six hits. With ace Jason Schmidt not healthy enough for action, Rueter, who hurled the opener in 2003, will probably pitch against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on April 5.

The Giants defense behind Rueter was superb, playing errorless ball and converting three double plays. Third sacker Edgardo Alfonzo made a diving stop of Jose Guillen's hot grounder in the fourth, launching a perfect throw to first from his knees.

The Angels added a run in the eighth off bullpenner Jason Christiansen as Brian Gordon singled, stole second, went to third on a throwing error and scored on DaVanon's sac fly.