C.J. Cron has two hits and go-ahead sacrifice fly in Angels’ exhibition win

Angels 4, Cleveland 3

AT THE PLATE: C.J. Cron, who is batting .396 (19 for 48) this spring, doubled, singled and capped a two-run seventh inning with a tie-breaking sacrifice fly to center field. Grant Green sparked the rally with a bunt single and scored on Daniel Robertson’s double to right field. Johnny Giavotella, who appears to have a slight edge in the battle for the second base job, singled twice, and Kyle Kubitza had a run-scoring single.

ON THE MOUND: Nick Tropeano, whose previous starts came in split-squad and B games, looked good through three hitless innings but walked two and was hurt by a fielding error in the fourth inning, when the Indians scored three unearned runs. “They just wanted some more eyes on me this time out,” said Tropeano, who is competing for the fifth rotation spot. “I think that’s a good thing.” Relievers Joe Smith, Mike Morin and Vinnie Pestano combined to retire nine of 10 batters, and Fernando Salas escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the ninth by getting Bobby Bradley to ground into a game-ending double play.

EXTRA BASES: Center fielder Collin Cowgill made a nice diving catch of Ryan Raburn’s drive to the gap in left-center field in the second inning. … Manager Mike Scioscia hasn’t selected the opening-day starter, though it’s clear Jered Weaver will get the assignment, but did choose Drew Butera as the backup catcher. … Outfielder-first baseman Marc Krauss, whose bid for a reserve job has been slowed by lower-back spasms that have sidelined him for three days, is feeling better and said he hopes to play Thursday or Friday.

UP NEXT: Chicago Cubs on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. On the air: TV: ESPN, Radio: 830.