Rivera returns to the Angels with a big bang
Catcher comes off a long stint on the disabled list and hits winning home run.
SAN DIEGO — Rene Rivera hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning in his return from a long stay on the disabled list, and the Angels completed a three-game sweep of the San Diego Padres with a 3-2 victory Wednesday night.
Reinstated from the 60day DL before the game, Rivera connected for a 407-foot solo shot into the second deck in left field on a firstpitch fastball from closer Kirby Yates (4-1), a former Angel.
“It feels great,” Rivera said. “It’s awesome to come back after three months and help the team to win a game. It feels awesome. I’m glad to be back and have the opportunity to play.”
Rivera, a former Padres catcher, sat out 76 games after knee surgery.
“He was swinging the bat well earlier this year when he got hurt,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “When he went on his rehab, it took him a couple [games], but he felt like he got his timing. He jumped right in, hit the ball hard. That’s a huge home run, obviously.”
Jose Alvarez (5-3) pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Angels, who won for the seventh time in their last nine games. The sweep was the Angels’ sixth this season.
Blake Parker retired the side in the ninth for his 12th save.
The Padres erased the Angels’ lead in the seventh inning with a solo home run by Cory Spangenberg against Cam Bedrosian that tied the score 2-2.
Andrelton Simmons drove home David Fletcher with a single in the sixth inning to put the Angels in front 2-1.
Both teams scored in the first inning. Albert Pujols drove in Kole Calhoun, who led off with a single, with a sacrifice fly against lefthander Robbie Erlin.
San Diego answered with a sacrifice fly from Hunter Renfroe that drove home Travis Jankowski.
Felix Pena pitched six innings for the Angels, giving up one unearned run and two hits. He walked four batters and struck out seven.
“It’s huge. We need some more guys to step up. The fact that Felix has so much on his plate, getting through six innings is really all you can ask for. He’s been pitching at that range of getting us those 16, 17, 18, 19 outs pretty consistently. For a guy who’s in his first goaround as a starter, he’s doing a great job,” Scioscia said.
Roster moves
The Angels optioned right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne and catcher Jose Briceno to triple-A Salt Lake, and designated righthander Akeel Morris for assignment.