Alexi Amarista’s clutch hit pushes Angels past Giants

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- Alexi Amarista continued to build his case for a utility job Tuesday, breaking a tie with a three-run double to right field in the top of the ninth inning to lead the Angels to a 5-3 exhibition victory over the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale Stadium.

Amarista’s versatility and speed make him an attractive bench option, as he can play all three outfield positions and three infield positions. His hit off Giants reliever Javier Lopez improved his spring average to .349 and moved him into a tie for the team lead with 13 runs batted in.

“He’s had an incredible spring,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “There are a lot of things he can do that are valuable to the club. He keeps bringing it every day.”

Albert Pujols also had a single and a double off Giants ace Tim Lincecum and is hitting .333 (15 for 45) this spring, Bobby Wilson added an RBI double and an RBI single, and Peter Bourjos walked, doubled and scored twice.

Starter Brad Mills, a longshot for the fifth rotation spot, gave up one hit through five shutout innings before giving up two runs on doubles by Gregor Blanco, Pablo Sandoval and Aubrey Huff in the sixth.

Mark Trumbo sparked the winning rally in the ninth with a double to left and made a nice play at third base, charging Emmanuel Burriss’ fifth-inning slow roller and making an off-balance throw to first for the out.

But Trumbo, who is making the difficult transition from first to third this spring, had a little difficulty covering the bag and missed swiping a tag on Blanco, who stole third in the sixth inning.

There was a scary moment in the ninth when the barrel of Jorge Cantu’s broken bat flew into the seats behind the third-base dugout and struck a fan, Kathleen Dunnivan, of Bethesda, Md., on the left side of the head.

The game was stopped for about 10 minutes while paramedics tended to Dunnivan, who eventually got up and walked out under her own power. She was taken across the street to Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital for observation, and her injuries are not believed to be serious.

“That was a shame, but it looks like she’s OK,” Scioscia said. “The bat was helicoptering. You just prayed it wasn’t going to hit someone, but it did.”

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Alexi Amarista’s clutch hit pushes Angels past Giants