Kendrick stars in Angels’ 4-2 win over Mariners

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PEORIA, Ariz. -- It didn’t take Howie Kendrick long to find his batting stroke. The Angels second baseman, in his first Cactus League start today, crushed the ball in all three plate appearances in a 4-2 exhibition victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Kendrick lined out to shortstop, with Seattle’s Reegie Corona making a diving stop, in the second inning. Kendrick lined a single to center in the fourth inning and scored on Jeff Mathis’ ensuing double over the center fielder’s head. Kendrick then lined a solo home run over the left-field wall in the sixth.

‘It took him about two pitches to find his stroke,’ Manager Mike Scioscia said of Kendrick. ‘Guys can get on fastballs pretty quick, but it usually takes a few at-bats to get to off-speed pitches. He hit an off-speed pitch about 430 feet, which was good.’

Shane Loux, one of three starters battling for the fifth rotation spot, struggled with his command and walked two, but the right-hander allowed only one unearned run and one hit in two innings. Relievers Justin Speier and Kevin Jepsen each threw hitless innings.

There was another highlight after the game for Scioscia, who received a congratulatory handshake from Mike Holmgren, who retired as the Seattle Seahawks’ coach after last season and attended today’s game.

-- Mike DiGiovanna