Conger leads US to victory

Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif.

Hank Conger hit a three-run homer and the United States, boosted by a pair of Angels up-and-comers, snapped a three-year losing streak in the Futures Game with a 9-1 win over the World squad Sunday.

Eric Hosmer doubled among his four hits and drove in two runs for the U.S. team in a game showcasing top prospects from all of baseball’s minor leagues — featuring 50 players representing 10 countries.

The World team committed four errors, twice allowing 18-year-old Angels prospect Mike Trout to reach base.

Trout, the youngest player participating, doubled in the eighth and showed off some speed that could have him playing on this very field at Angel Stadium in a few years.

Conger’s clout off Henderson Alvarez provided the highlight in an exhibition event that gives most of these young men their first exposure to playing on the big stage in a major league ballpark.

After stepping on home plate following the homer, U.S. teammates Trout and Hosmer formed a Conger line to greet the Angels’ Triple-A catcher. He was picked MVP.

Desmond Jennings added an RBI single and scored three runs and Austin Romine doubled in a run for the U.S.

The World team had won the past three Futures Games, becoming the first squad to do so in the event’s history.