Matsui opens season with a bang
Free agent acquisition Hideki Matsui, fresh off earning World Series MVP honors, picked up right where he left off yesterday. Playing in his first official game since his 3-for-4, HR, 6 RBI performance in title-clinching Game 6 against Philadelphia, Matsui went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI, including the go-ahead one in the 5th inning to help the Angels earn a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day.
First baseman Kendry Morales followed Matsui’s big fly with one of his own en route to posting identical numbers from the No. 5 spot. And Erick Aybar, slotted in the leadoff spot with mainstay Chone Figgins signing with Seattle in the offseason, provided a spark with a 2-for-3 performance, drawing a walk and scoring two runs.
Jered Weaver pitched six effective innings, striking out six while surrending three runs. And the bullpen appeared formidable, providing three shutout innings.
Delmon Young went 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBI for Minnesota in a losing effort.
