Baseball player avoids prison with plea bargain

Former Angels star Scott Spiezio pleaded guilty Monday to driving under the influence and a hit-and-run accident that started with a night of drinking in a Newport Beach bar.

Spiezio was sentenced to three years informal probation, ordered to complete a three-month alcohol offender program, and pay nearly $2,000 in court fees and fines. He must also go to two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and complete 80 hours of community service, court documents show.

Four other charges were dismissed that related to an alleged fight Spiezio had with a friend after the Dec. 30 accident.

Authorities issued a warrant in February for Spiezio’s arrest after police said he left a Newport Beach bar after midnight and recklessly drove his 2004 BMW to his Irvine home.

On the way his car skipped a curb, crashed into a fence and knocked down a pole, blowing the car’s front tires, authorities said. Prosecutors said he ditched the car, ran to his condo and sought help from a friend. They got into a scuffle after he vomited while the friend tried to help clean him up, prosecutors said.

The St. Louis Cardinals cut the utility infielder in spring training after the arrest warrant was issued. The Atlanta Braves signed the World Series hero to a minor league contract and he began the season with the Triple-A Richmond team.

Spiezio is allowed to complete his sentence out of state.

— Joseph Serna