Los Angeles @ Baltimore preview
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Last Meeting ( May 5, 2013 ) Baltimore 8, LA Angels 4
The Los Angeles Angels spent the weekend getting their pitching staff picked apart by one American League East powerhouse. They will try to avoid a similar fate when they continue their road trip with the start of a three-game series at the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. The Angels have dropped seven of their last nine games and were reached for a total of 22 runs in losing two of three to the Boston Red Sox.
The Orioles busted out their offense to avoid a sweep at the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend. After totaling one run in losing the first two games of the series, Baltimore piled up eight extra-base hits in a 10-7 victory on Sunday. The Orioles lead the majors in slugging percentage and will be taking on a Los Angeles staff that ranks in the bottom third in ERA.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (1-1, 3.13 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Freddy Garcia (2-3, 4.70)
Weaver has been sharp in two starts since returning from the disabled list, allowing four runs (two earned) and 11 hits in 12 total innings. The veteran right-hander issued only one walk in those two turns while striking out 12. Weaver is 6-3 with a 2.76 ERA in nine career starts against the Orioles and has been especially tough on J.J. Hardy (1-for-15) and Matt Wieters (2-for-13).
Garcia turned back the clock with eight scoreless innings on May 30 against Washington but could not keep up the pace at Houston on Wednesday, as he was tagged for six runs on seven hits - four home runs - over three innings. The 36-year-old has surrendered 11 homers in his seven appearances. Garcia made his season debut at Los Angeles on May 4 and limited the Angels to two runs on three hits - one homer - in 6 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 1B Chris Davis, who leads the majors with 20 home runs, went 0-for-12 with six strikeouts over the weekend.
2. Angels CF Mike Trout went 7-for-14 with four doubles in the three games at Boston and is 3-for-8 lifetime against Garcia.
3. Baltimore took three of four at Los Angeles in May.
PREDICTION: Angels 7, Orioles 4