Pujols' two-HR inning fuels Angels' big day

March 19th, 2016

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Albert Pujols hit two home runs during an eight-run third inning and Yunel Escobar had four hits in the Angels' 15-7 Cactus League win over the Brewers on Saturday at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Pujols led off the third with a solo shot to left field and then capped the eight-run inning with a two-run blast that cleared the left-field berm. Both homers came off Brewers right-hander Wily Peralta. Pujols has three home runs this spring, and finished 3-for-3, including a first-inning RBI single.
Pujols launches 2 homers in inning
Escobar went 4-for-4 with two doubles and has a hit in his last seven plate appearances. He is hitting .471 this spring.
"He had a real good first at-bat, was great to see him hit the ball to right field with a runner in scoring position, which is what he does when he's on," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Then he got two pitches up and just killed them, hit them a long way."

Jonathan Lucroy went 2-for-2 with an RBI and Ramon Flores added a two-run double during a five-run second inning for the Brewers.
Peralta gave up 10 runs -- seven earned -- on 11 hits. He has allowed 10 earned runs over his last three starts.
"Tough day, man," Peralta said. "I'm leaving all my runs in Spring Training so when the season comes, I'll be better. Seriously, a tough day. I had a tough time executing the pitches. I was up in the zone."
That was the case, Peralta said, on each of the Pujols homers. The first was a changeup that was supposed to be down and in, but was middle-up. The second was a fastball that was supposed to be down and away, but was middle-up again.
"My bullpens have been great. I just need to get back and execute," Peralta said. "I don't worry about that. I feel good, and I think when the season comes, I'm going to be fine. I think my next outing, I'm going to be out there not trying to work much on things; just try to go pitch and get ready for the season."

Non-roster invitee Yunesky Maya started for the Angles and gave up five runs in three innings. Only one run was earned, but he walked four in his first start after six scoreless innings in relief this spring.
Up next for the Brewers: Right-hander Jimmy Nelson will aim to continue a solid spring when he starts against the Dodgers on Sunday at Maryvale Baseball Park at 3:05 p.m. CT on MLB.TV. Nelson is focusing on his change-up this spring and has limited opponents to one run over four innings over his first two Cactus League starts, plus one scoreless appearance in Minor League camp during the team's off day. Domingo Santana also is expected back in right field on Sunday. He's been out for a few days with a stiff neck and left shoulder.
Up next for the Angels: Left-hander Andrew Heaney takes his 1.80 ERA into Sunday's 1:10 p.m. PT starts against the AL West rival Rangers at Surprise Stadium. It will be Heaney's third start. Opposing hitters batted .350 against him in the first two, which spanned five innings.