The Angels took an early lead over the White Sox, scoring their six runs in the first five innings. Chicago was able to stop Los Angeles and push for the comeback, but fell short.

With opening day approaching, Jered Weaver is itching for games that count.

The 2010 major league strikeout leader gave up one run over 4 1-3 innings Saturday as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3.

Weaver allowed three hits, struck out four and walked two. He hadn’t allowed a walk all spring prior to his final exhibition start.

“I’m ready to go,” Weaver said. “Obviously I was a little erratic there the first couple, but I found a good groove and everything was coming out good.”

He will be the first to take the mound in 2011 for the Angels, his third time in four years earning the honor. The Angels open Thursday at Kansas City.

“It’s a cool thing,” he said. “I don’t really build it up too much. Whenever (manager Mike Scioscia) wants me to take the ball, I’ll take the ball.”

Weaver allowed the first two batters to reach in the second inning but was able to escape unscathed. The first two reached base again in the third, and Weaver almost eluded trouble again, but a two-out RBI single from Paul Konerko put the lone blemish on his day.

Brandon Wood and Mark Trumbo each drove in two runs for the Angels and Alexi Amarista hit a solo homer.

White Sox starter Jeff Marquez gave up three runs and six hits in four innings. He is right in the middle of a big decision that manager Ozzie Guillen has to make within the next few days when he chooses the team’s 25th man.

Guillen wouldn’t announce his intentions with the roster, though he said he already knew what he was planning to do.

“(Marquez) did everything we asked him to do, and that’s the best spring training he’s had,” he said. “But meanwhile, you have to make moves sometimes. The last move always hurts.”

With Jake Peavy‘s health in question, the White Sox are deciding whether to carry 11 or 12 pitchers. Phil Humber is the top choice to replace Peavy, leaving Marquez as the 12th man.

Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko each drove in runs for Chicago.

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