Anderson Starts Fireworks

Fireworks are launched at Edison Field during the national anthem and after Angel home runs, but until Saturday night young children had been spared the ear-numbing trauma during Angel games this season.

Garret Anderson finally gave the pyrotechnicians a chance to pull the trigger after play began when he hit a booming first-inning, two-run homer to right against Oakland starter Erik Hiljus in the Angels’ 7-2 loss Saturday night.

The homer ended an 0-for-20 drought for Anderson that dated to April 7. He also had a single in the sixth inning.

Anderson’s homer was the first by an Angel player other than third baseman Troy Glaus, who hit three in two games at Texas.

Before Anderson’s shot, the Angels had played eight home games without a home run, their longest drought since Sept. 12-Oct. 4, 1991. Their three homers for the season previously tied them with Kansas City for last in the American League.

Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said he was not worried about the power outage.

“If we were a team full of rookies that were untested in the major leagues and they were all having the difficulty we’re seeing with some guys getting on track, it would be very important for these guys to step up and establish themselves,” Scioscia said. “But we’re dealing with guys who have been through some tough times before and have always come out of it.”

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Scioscia shuffled the lineup Saturday and is likely to do the same again today to give some of his regulars a day off.

Jeff DaVanon made his first start, playing right field in place of Tim Salmon, who was batting .171. Catcher Jorge Fabregas made his third start.

DaVanon and Fabregas each went hitless, DaVanon in four at-bats and Fabregas in three Saturday. Salmon pinch-hit for Brad Fullmer in the sixth with two men on, but struck out.

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Closer Troy Percival, on the 15-day disabled list since April 3 because of a strained muscle in his rib cage, will throw in the bullpen today and could make a rehabilitation start on Tuesday as he moves toward becoming activated Friday or Saturday.

Percival said he threw with 85% effort during a bullpen session Friday.

“You have to be pretty optimistic when they say four to six weeks and you’re feeling pretty good at two weeks,” he said.

TODAY

ANGELS’

KEVIN APPIER

(0-1, 3.00)

VS.

ATHLETICS’

BARRY ZITO

(0-0, 2.13)

Edison Field, 1 p.m.

TV--Channel. 9.

Radio--KPLS (830), XPRS (1090).

Update--Appier is 11-7 with three complete games and two shutouts in his career against the Athletics. He also has a 2.50 earned-run average against the A’s, his lowest against any major league team based on five or more starts. Zito, the former USC All-American, is 5-2 with a 4.26 ERA against the Angels.

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.

Gary Klein