WEAVER'S DEBUT A JOY TO WATCH ANGELS ROOKIE PITCHES 7 SHUTOUT INNINGS VS. O'S ANGELS 10, BALTIMORE 1.

Byline: BEN VILLA Staff Writer

ANAHEIM -- Jered Weaver had about 45 family members and friends in attendance on Saturday night to watch his major-league debut, and each and every one of them probably left the game with a huge smile. Ditto for everybody in the Angels' organization.

The former Long Beach State star won his major-league debut, pitching seven scoreless innings, and Tim Salmon and Kendry Morales hit home runs as the Angels defeated the Baltimore Orioles 10-1 in front of 43,005 at Angel Stadium.

``Tonight was a dream come true,'' Weaver said. ``I've been waiting for this night for 23 years, and it was a real confidence-booster. Believe me, the butterflies were there before the game, but throwing to Mike Napoli was a big help to me. We're familiar with each other from our time in the minors together and tonight, he called a great game. It wasn't just me.''

Garret Anderson also drove in two runs on a night when he passed Brian Downing for most games (1,662) played in Angels' history, but more important, the Angels also won their fourth game in a row to pull within four games of the first-place Texas Rangers. The Rangers lost 6-3 to the Oakland A's.

There was a lot of hype surrounding Weaver's first start, and right from the beginning there was a buzz in the air.

Weaver, who won eight national player of the year awards, including the Golden Spikes Award, after his junior season at Long Beach State, was more than solid in his first big-league outing. He was called up Friday after going 4-1 at Triple-A Salt Lake, but if he was nervous he never showed it.

His first big-league pitch was a ball to Brian Roberts, but he quickly retired the Orioles second baseman to begin his professional career. He retired the side in order in the first inning but ran into trouble in the second when Javy Lopez led off the inning with a single and went to third on a double by Ramon Hernandez.

That brought up Jeff Conine, who hit a ball to right field that appeared to be deep enough to score Lopez, but Vladimir Guerrero made a strong throw to the plate to nail Lopez and record the double play. Weaver then struck out Corey Patterson to end the inning.

``Vlad made a great play and that really helped me settle in,'' Weaver said. ``Once he made that throw, the nerves stopped and I just threw the ball. It was definitely an exciting night all the way around.''

After that, Weaver looked like a seasoned veteran and at one point, he struck out three consecutive batters. Kevin Gregg replaced him in the top of the eighth inning but Weaver already had made an excellent first impression.

He scattered three hits while striking out five and walking just one. Of his 97 pitches, 60 went for strikes.

When Weaver left Salt Lake, he had thrown 27 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings. Counting his seven Saturday, Weaver has now thrown 34 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings in professional baseball.

``For a young pitcher to pitch like that, it's big,'' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ``I thought he and Napoli worked great together and Jered executed his pitches, and I thought he was focused the entire game.

``He did a terrific job against some tough hitters.''

The Angels started their scoring in the first inning off Orioles starter Erik Bedard. Orlando Cabrera led off the game with a double and scored on an RBI single by Anderson.

In the second inning, they increased their lead to 4-0. Juan Rivera and Robb Quinlan led off with base hits and were moved over to second and third after Adam Kennedy laid down a sacrifice bunt.

Cabrera then reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases and Napoli walked to drive in a run. Anderson followed by hitting into another fielder's choice to drive in his second run of the game and Guerrero capped the inning by lining an RBI single to left field.

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CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1) Angels' catcher Mike Napoli, left, takes the throw from right fielder Vladimir Guerrero before tagging out Baltimore baserunner Javy Lopez, right, on a sacrifice fly by the Orioles' Jeff Conine.

(2) Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver gave up three hits and struck out five in seven innings Saturday in his major-league debut.

Chris Pizzello/Associated Press

Box:

ANGELS vs. BALTIMORE

- Ben Villa