Angels' Lincecum wins in return to majors
OAKLAND, Calif. - Tim Lincecum made a winning return to the majors, restarting his career after nearly a year away with six sharp innings and several ovations to lead the Los Angeles Angels over the Oakland Athletics 7-1 Saturday.
Sporting a bright red hat and Angels jersey that was in stark contrast to the black and orange he wore across the Bay Bridge for nine seasons with the San Francisco Giants, Lincecum gave up one run and four hits. The four-time All-Star struck out two and walked two.
The 32-year-old righty hadn't pitched in the majors since last June 27. He had hip surgery in September, signed with the Angels in May and made three starts in the minors.
Watch: Lincecum fools Valencia for 1st K in return
Lincecum didn't quite have the blazing fastball that he used to win back-to-back NL Cy Young Awards, but he was still strong in his debut and retired seven straight during one stretch.
''It felt like my mechanics were a little erratic,'' Lincecum said. ''Got into some deep counts but I made pitches when I needed to and my defense made plays when we needed them to. Definitely an area when I can improve on, but happy with it.''
Lincecum was followed by television cameras and received a standing ovation from fans of both teams - and a few wearing Giants No. 55 jerseys - as he walked to the bullpen for his pregame warmups. A second, louder ovation greeted Lincecum when he took the mound.
Lincecum breezed through the first two innings, including fanning Danny Valencia with an 83-mph changeup for his first strikeout of the season.