Tulo's first spring hits are big ones

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Troy Tulowitzki's first hit of the spring went a long way.

The second went even farther.

Tulowitzki recorded his first two Cactus League hits in style, launching a solo home run in the first inning and adding a two-run shot in the third in a 7-2 win over the Angels on Friday at Salt River Fields.

Although Tulowitzki said that, like many players, he doesn't put stock in spring numbers, he admitted that his first knock caused a small sigh of relief.

"Maybe just better timing," Tulowitzki said of finally getting a hit. "That's just the way this game is. Some of my best Spring Trainings I've had have been some of my worst seasons. Some of the worst, [good seasons]. You don't look into Spring Training at all for guys that have been around."

Both home runs came off Angels right-hander Joe Blanton, and both were pulled down the left-field line. The first landed midway up the outfield's grass hill, and the second landed near the top of the hill and hopped on the concourse.

"He's one of the best in the game," manager Walt Weiss said. "You saw the game today. Just one of the best there is."

Tulowitzki also looked good in the field. He made five plays and looked smooth on each. Overall, he admitted that this spring is a welcome change from last, when he was slowly working his way back from groin surgery.

"There's no hesitations, there's no thoughts," he said of the difference. "I'm back to myself, and that feels good. That's what I'm most excited about. Even today I was, defensively, myself again, and it's nice."