BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Abbott Starts Quickly This Time

Usually a slow starter, Angel left-hander Jim Abbott is breaking that pattern impressively.

Abbott gave up one hit in four innings, combining with Paul Swingle, Willie Fraser and Chuck Crim on a two-hitter in the Angels’ 9-0 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers at Chandler, Ariz.

Abbott, who was 0-3 with a 5.02 earned-run average last spring and lost his first four regular-season games en route to an 18-11 record, has pitched seven scoreless innings. He gave up only a first-inning single to Jim Gantner, Milwaukee’s lone hit until Scott Fletcher reached base on an infield hit in the ninth against former Brewer Crim.

“I felt pretty good today, pretty strong, and I made some good pitches,” said Abbott, who was scheduled to go three innings but continued after throwing only 28 pitches his first time through the lineup.

Abbott worked out extensively with weights for the first time in the off-season. “I feel strong. I feel in control out there,” he said. “I’ve been trying to establish my fastball and slider, and I’m pretty happy with the way that’s going. I’ve got to start working on my curveball and my mental game, the mental cues you use out there on the mound.”

Chad Curtis hit the game’s first pitch for a home run, and Gary Gaetti and Dick Schofield each drove in two runs as the Angels improved their spring record to 4-1.

In Tuesday’s “B” game, Mark Langston pitched three perfect innings and Ron Tingley had a double, a triple and two runs batted in in a 3-2 Angel victory. In six scoreless spring innings, Langston has given up two hits.

Angel left fielder Luis Polonia was sent to Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood for an examination of his sore left shoulder. Rodgers said the ailment isn’t believed serious. . . . Hubie Brooks left the “A” main game because of soreness in his right hip. He probably will rest for a few days. . . . First baseman Lee Stevens took batting practice against Bert Blyleven and Chuck Finley and had no problem with his right wrist. . . . Finley had soreness in his surgically repaired left big toe, but said he’s not worried.