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KC@LAA: Pujols makes his debut with the Angels

Playing in the National League with the St. Louis Cardinals for 11 seasons, Albert Pujols didn't have many chances to see American League pitching.

Yet, that didn't seem to matter anytime he faced the Royals.

In 52 career games against them, including Friday night, Pujols has cranked out 16 home runs and 53 RBIs, along with a .373 average (his highest average against any club).

He'll try for the same results Saturday, when the Halos take the field against the Royals at Angel Stadium and fans get their second chance to see Pujols play.

It's those types of numbers, along with the depth Pujols and Kendrys Morales have added to the Angels' lineup, that is getting the team's starters excited about this season.

"Top to bottom, it's pretty solid," Saturday's starter Dan Haren said. "We're adding a three and a four hitter, and not too many teams in the offseason can just add a three and four hitter in there. On paper, we look great, but we still have to put it together and win on the field."

It will be the job of Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar to limit Pujols and the rest of the lineup.

Kansas City's Opening Day starter in 2011, Hochevar was moved into the second slot in the rotation to provide a right-hander between lefties Bruce Chen and Jonathan Sanchez.

Having a stellar Spring Training after finishing out his 2011 campaign strong, the righty went 3-1 with a 2.84 ERA in five Cactus League starts. He also struck out 21 in only 19 innings of work.

The spring allowed him to gain confidence in his delivery and work on throwing his pitches consistently for strikes.

"I think the biggest thing is having the opportunity to work on my changeup and throw my changeup a lot. In the past, it's never really been a pitch for me," said Hochevar.

Royals: Seven Royals experience first Opening Day
Friday's season opener against the Angels marked the first Major League opener for seven Royals, including first baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas, who were called up from Triple-A Omaha to become lineup regulars after the season began last year.

The others were center fielder Lorenzo Cain and pitchers Danny Duffy, Kelvin Herrera, Greg Holland and Everett Teaford.

"A lot of jitters, a lot of excitement, nervousness, all that rolled into one," said Cain in the Royals' clubhouse before the game. "But I'm definitely excited and ready to go. I worked hard all spring to get to this point, and I'm ready to get this thing started tonight."

Angels: Haren to take hill Saturday
Haren will take the ball for the Angels on Saturday after having a fantastic Spring Training. Having pinpoint control in all six of his starts, the right-hander went 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA, while walking only two and striking out 25.

"Wins aren't a personal goal for me. It's more of a team thing. My goal is to get out there 33 or 34 times in the regular season, and I'm confident in my ability," Haren said. "I think if I do that, the numbers will fall where they want to fall. I'll go out there and I'll do what I can for my team. But health and innings, and giving my team a chance, that's the only thing I look for."

• With his sixth consecutive Opening Day start Friday, Howard Kendrick moved into a tie with Bobby Knoop for most consecutive Opening Day starts by a Halos second baseman in franchise history.

Worth noting
• The Angels squared off against the Royals on Opening Day on Friday for the second straight season, and with a 5-0 win, the team is now 4-1 against the Royals on Opening Day.

• Of the 243 foreign-born players on Major League Opening Day rosters, including disabled players, the Royals have the most of any club, with 13. Venezuela tops the list, with five -- Alcides Escobar, Jose Mijares, Humberto Quintero, Salvador Perez and Manny Pina.

• The Royals begin the season with the youngest 25-man roster at an average of 27 years, 155 days -- actually up from last year's 27 years, six days. Next youngest are the Astros at 27 years, 301 days and the Braves at 28 years, 99 days. The youngest Royal is pitcher Kelvin Herrera, 22 years, 97 days. Oldest team? The Yankees at 31 years, 61 days.

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