Los Angeles @ Seattle preview
T-Mobile Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 18, 2010 ) Seattle 2, LA Angels 1
A change in the batting order did not help the Los Angeles Angels, but perhaps a change of scenery will.
The Angels dropped leadoff hitter Bobby Abreu to third, moved Reggie Willits into his spot and dropped Alberto Callaspo from third to fifth for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.
The result? A 1-0 victory by the Orioles, who posted their second straight shutout of the Angels to finish off a three-game series sweep.
Los Angeles has not scored in 26 innings – on a balk in the first inning on Friday, no less – and is 10 1/2 games behind the AL West-leading Texas Rangers. The Angels, who have lost 11 of 15, were shut out in three straight games from June 24-26, 1978.
Saddled with a suddenly silent offense, the Angels travel to Safeco Field – their oasis when things are going poorly. The Angels (63-68) will begin a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners (51-79) on Monday night.
Los Angeles will start Ervin Santana (13-9, 4.13 ERA) against David Pauley (2-5, 4.02 ERA) in a matchup of right-handers.
The Angels are 10-3 against the Mariners this season, including 5-1 at Safeco Field. They have not lost a season series to the Mariners since 2003.
Despite red flags all around them, the Angels remain steadfast in their belief that they are still in the AL West race. The biggest signal the season is probably lost was Friday's trade of closer Brian Fuentes to the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins.
Seattle salvaged the final contest of a three-game series against the Twins with a 2-1 triumph on Sunday. Luke French allowed three hits in seven innings and the Mariners scored two runs in the seventh to pull out the victory.
Santana has allowed one run in each of his past two games against Seattle. He is 6-2 with a 3.34 ERA in 14 career starts against the Mariners.
In his most recent start Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, Santana allowed six runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Pauley is 0-3 with a 2.86 ERA at Safeco Field in four starts. He has received just two runs of support in the three losses.
The hurler permitted four runs in the sixth inning en route to a 5-3 loss at the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. The tough inning also spoiled a start in which he retired 12 of the first 13 batters.
Pauley received a no-decision in his only start against the Angels on April 22, 2008, when he pitched for the Red Sox.
Former Angel Chone Figgins has reached base safely in 17 consecutive home games. He is hitting .367 (22-for-60) with four doubles, seven RBIs, eight walks and five stolen bases in that stretch.