Tigers pitcher Drew Smyly had a strong performance in relief of starter Rick Porcello Saturday against the Angels. Porcello allowed nine runs over two-thirds of an inning and Smyly entered in the first with the bases cleared.

The left-hander worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out seven. He also did not walk a batter and threw 63 of his 87 pitches for strikes.

Smyly, who competed with Porcello for the final spot in the rotation this spring, has a 1.80 ERA through six appearances with 17 strikeouts in 15 innings.