Minnesota @ Los Angeles preview
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Last Meeting ( Jul 22, 2013 ) Minnesota 4, LA Angels 3
The Minnesota Twins attempt to continue their solid start to the second half when they visit the Los Angeles Angels for the second contest of their three-game series on Tuesday. Minnesota posted a pair of 3-2 victories over the Cleveland Indians after the All-Star break to extend its winning streak to four games before dropping the finale of the three-game set Sunday. The Twins picked themselves right up Monday, as they kicked off a seven-game road trip with a 4-3 triumph at Los Angeles.
Clete Thomas was the star for Minnesota, producing a solo homer and an RBI double at the plate while making a jumping catch at the left-field wall in the eighth inning to rob pinch-hitter Chris Iannetta of a three-run homer and preserve the one-run lead. The loss was the second straight for the Angels at home, where they had won their previous four contests. Los Angeles slipped 11 games behind the first-place Oakland Athletics in the American League West.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (2-2, 6.45 ERA) vs. Angels RH Tommy Hanson (4-2, 5.10)
Gibson has received a decision in each of his four major-league starts, posting a victory over the Yankees in New York on July 14 after allowing three runs - two earned - in five innings. The 25-year-old has walked four in each of his last two outings after issuing a total of one free pass in his first two turns. Gibson, drafted 22nd overall in 2009, will be making his third straight road start following a pair at home.
Hanson will be making his first start since June 20 due to a strained right forearm that landed him on the disabled list. The 26-year-old lasted only two innings in that outing as he surrendered seven runs and six hits but escaped with a no-decision. Hanson will be facing the Twins for the first time in his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels OF Josh Hamilton sat out Monday's series opener with stiffness in his right ankle.
2. Minnesota, which ended its five-game losing streak at Los Angeles, is 3-0 against the Angels this season.
3. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout enters Tuesday's game with a career-best 14-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Angels 5, Twins 2