TEMPE, Ariz. – Joe Blanton allowed a first-inning solo homer to Brian Bogusevic in his first game in a Los Angeles Angels' uniform, a 4-2 loss to a Chicago Cubs' split squad Sunday.
Blanton, who agreed to a $15 million, two-year deal with the Angels during the offseason, allowed just the one hit in two innings, struck out two and walked none. Blanton was 10-13 with a 4.71 ERA for Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.
Nick Struck, the Chicago Cubs' minor league pitcher of the year, made his second exhibition appearance and gave up two hits in three scoreless innings.
Cubs closer Carlos Marmol got into a bases-loaded, no-outs jam in the fourth when Josh Hamilton and Mark Trumbo singled, and Chris Iannetta was hit by a pitch. Andrew Romine grounded into a run-scoring, 4-6-3 double play, and Caleb Cowart lined out.
Brad Nelson hit a solo homer for the Cubs.
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