Angels 8, Chicago Cubs 4

Angels 8, Cubs 4

AT THE PLATE: Ian Stewart, who appears to have the edge over several candidates for a reserve spot, sparked a six-run ninth inning with a home run and capped the rally with a run-scoring single. Grant Green (triple), Collin Cowgill (double), J.B. Shuck (single), Shawn O’Malley (run-scoring single) and Abel Baker (two-run single) added hits in the inning. Raul Ibanez hit his second spring home run, and Josh Hamilton doubled.

ON THE MOUND: Jered Weaver, pitching in a triple-A game against Milwaukee so the Angels could regulate his workload, gave up four hits, struck out eight and walked one in seven scoreless innings, throwing 102 pitches. A bullpen effort against the Cubs was headed by closer Ernesto Frieri, who threw a 1-2-3 third and has given up no runs and two hits in eight spring innings.

EXTRA BASES: The Angels (16-10) have won seven consecutive games. … Second baseman Howie Kendrick was sidelined by a stomach virus. … Two of the four reserve spots are set with backup catcher Hank Conger and utility infielder John McDonald. Shuck and Cowgill are battling for a reserve outfield spot. Infielder Green, who is hitting .362, probably will open the season at triple A.

UP NEXT: Angels vs. Oakland Athletics at noon at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. On the air: Radio: 830.