Pujols doubles, Angels beat White Sox 6-2

[March 09, 2012]  TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- John Danks wasn't exactly in total control.

Danks walked Albert Pujols and Vernon Wells in the first inning and that set up Jorge Cantu's two-run single Tuesday as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 6-2.

Danks, 8-12 with a 4.33 ERA last season, allowed four hits and two runs in two innings. He also walked three.

"John was a little erratic early," new White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "We'll work on that."

Danks is the favorite to start for Chicago on opening day.

"I'd love to," Danks said. "I don't know anyone who doesn't want to throw opening day. I keep my fingers crossed. But too many more like this and I don't think there will be any question."

"The ball was doing what I wanted it to," Danks said. "It just wasn't going where I wanted to throw it."

Pujols narrowly missed his first spring homer, doubling deep to left-center field off reliever Matt Thornton in the third.

Pujols left the St. Louis Cardinals and signed with the Angels in the offseason. The three-time NL MVP went 2 for 3 with a double Monday in his exhibition debut with his new team.

Garrett Richards, among a handful of fifth-starter candidates for the Angels, allowed four hits and two runs in two innings.

Richards made three starts in seven appearances for the Angels in 2011. He went 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA over 14 innings.

"I thought his stuff looked great," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

Richards figures to compete with right-hander Jerome Williams for the fifth spot. Williams is currently out of action with a strained hamstring.

"It's unfortunate what happened to Jerome," Richards said. "I just want to show what I can do and do what I do and hope for the best."

NOTES: Gordon Beckham had two hits for Chicago. ... Callaspo, Cantu and Kole Calhoun each had two hits for the Angels. ... Angels reliever Kevin Jepsen struck out two in one inning.

[Associated Press]

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