Angels ace Jered Weaver looks dominant in 7-1 loss to Diamondbacks

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jered Weaver looked extremely sharp in his final tuneup before Monday’s season-opening start in Cincinnati, allowing two singles in seven shutout innings, striking out three and walking one in the Angels’ 7-1 exhibition loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday night at Salt River Fields.

“I always try to treat the last spring game like a regular-season game,” said Weaver, who will be making his fourth straight opening-day start. “You mix your pitches like you would in a regular-season game. I like to end the spring on a good note, and feel like I did.”

Weaver threw 87 pitches. After walking a batter and hitting a batter in the first, the right-hander retired 12 straight before allowing his first hit of the game, a two-out infield single to A.J. Pollock in the fifth.

“That’s a terrific outing, I think,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “They have some good hitters in their lineup. He was working spots all night. He did a great job. It’s not just a good workout but a confidence boost.”

Weaver left with a 1-0 lead after Efren Navarro, who is competing for the final bench spot, doubled to lead off the eighth and scored on Kaleb Cowart’s single to center.

But right-hander David Carpenter, who is battling left-hander Mitch Stetter for the final bullpen spot, gave up a score-tying, pinch-hit home run to Eric Chavez in the bottom of the eighth and a double to Cliff Pennington.

Stetter replaced Carpenter and picked off Pennington at second, but he walked Gerardo Parra, who stole second base. Martin Prado was intentionally walked, and right-hander Robert Coello gave up a two-run double to Eric Hinske.

Wil Nieves singled, Paul Goldschmidt walked, and Alfredo Marte crushed a three-run homer to left that gave the Diamondbacks a 7-1 lead.

ALSO:

UFC’s Georges St. Pierre to play Batroc in ‘Captain America’ sequel

NASCAR: Watch Denny Hamlin crash after collision with Joey Logano

Tiger Woods is back at No. 1 after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational