TEMPE, Ariz. — Jered Weaver looked strong during a three-inning stint, top prospect Kaleb Cowart hit a three-run double in the first inning, and the Angels broke a tie with seven runs in the eighth inning for a 12-6 exhibition victory over Team Italy at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Wednesday.
The Italian team was playing its final tuneup before opening the World Baseball Classic against Mexico on Thursday.
Outfield prospect Randal Grichuk snapped a 5-5 tie in the eighth inning with a two-run triple for the Angels, and Brendan Harris and Kole Calhoun each drove in runs with doubles during the inning. Scoutt Cousins hit a solo home run in the sixth.
Weaver gave up one run and three hits, struck out five and walked none in his 52-pitch stint, his only blemish Alex Liddi’s run-scoring double in the first. Jerome Williams followed Weaver and gave up two runs and two hits, including Chris Colabello’s two-run homer, in three innings.
“I thought Weav looked great,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He threw some really good changeups, good sliders and faced some big-league hitters, so he had to make some pitches. That was three strong innings from Weav.”
-Mike DiGiovanna
