ANGELS: Rookie pitcher Adenhart killed in hit-and-run crash

By GILLIAN FLACCUS - Associated Press
Thursday, April 9, 2009 9:33 AM PDT


ANAHEIM -- Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart died Thursday in a hit-and-run car crash after a game, a hospital official said.

Adenhar, 22, died after undergoing surgery, UC Irvine Medical Center spokesman John Murray said.

Adenhart was one of three people killed in the crash early Thursday after pitching in a loss against the Oakland Athletics.

The driver of a minivan ran a red light in Fullerton and hit two cars, including one carrying Adenhart.

Police Lt. Craig Brower said the minivan driver fled the crash scene and was captured a short time later. The driver was arrested and booked for investigation of felony hit-and-run.

A fourth person was in critical condition.

Adenhart was the Angels' No. 3 starter, making his season debut Wednesday night. The right-hander earned a spot in the starting rotation on an injury-plagued Angels staff by impressing manager Mike Scioscia late in spring training.

He was born in Silver Springs, Md.