Morse strengthens bid for roster spot
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michael Morse is hitting as if he wants to play ball all summer.
Morse, who was invited to spring training by team officials at Hunter Pence’s wedding, is making a serious run at the Opening Day roster. Morse’s latest hits were an RBI double in the sixth inning and tie-breaking single in the eighth in Wednesday’s 7-4 win over the Angels.
Afterward, Morse spoke highly of the Giants’ talent and team chemistry, which he said reminded him of the championship season of 2014, to which he mightily contributed.
“Hopefully, I’ll be around to check it out,” he said. “If not, I’ll catch the team when they’re in Miami.”
Morse, whose carefree attitude seems to be a benefit, has gotten more productive by the week and remains in the running for a bench role. He entered at first base Wednesday and still is waiting for his first assignment in left field, which is expected soon.
“Early on, I felt great. I was just missing the ball,” Morse said. “By being relaxed and trusting my abilities and knowing I was just a click away, it really helped. Now I’m getting the results.”
Pence would love to see Morse make the team.
“It’s been good times having him around,” Pence said. “He’s got that RBI presence. When he steps in the box, the game can change. We’ve seen it quite a bit. Even his BPs fire me up. It’s a spectacle.” Cain’s next: Matt Cain, competing for the final rotation spot, will bring a 9.58 ERA to the mound when making his fifth appearance Friday.
“For all Cain’s done and all he’s accomplished,” general manager Bobby Evans said, “you’d love for him to finish with the Giants strong this year and see where it takes him.”
Ty Blach, who’s in competition with Cain, pitched in relief Wednesday and gave up hits to his first five batters before retiring the final six men he faced. His ERA is 5.56.
John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer.