Hill Impresses Again in Loss to Giants

A string of 6 2/3 perfect innings over two starts came to an end Saturday for Angel pitcher Ken Hill, who gave up a bloop single to Barry Bonds and a two-run homer to Brian Johnson in the fourth inning of a 2-0 split-squad loss to the San Francisco Giants at Las Vegas’ Cashman Field.

Those were the only blemishes on a strong outing for Hill, who struck out three, walked none and showed excellent command of his fastball, slider and split-finger fastball.

“I worked a lot more with the weights this winter so I won’t break down, and there’s no question I’m feeling the positive effects of that now,” Hill said. “The ball is just flying out of my hand. I feel great.”

So does reliever Rich DeLucia, who boosted his standing with three hitless innings, striking out one. The right-hander sat out six weeks of last season after having an aneurysm removed from his shoulder but feels he has proved his arm is sound.