Los Angeles @ Oakland preview
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Last Meeting ( Jul 26, 2013 ) LA Angels 4, Oakland 6
The Oakland Athletics carry a season-high, four-game division lead into Saturday’s contest against the visiting Los Angeles Angels, who have fallen five games under .500 and 11 games out of first. Athletics closer Grant Balfour, whose franchise-record 44-game save streak ended earlier this week, bounced back with his 27th save in Friday’s 6-4 victory. Josh Hamilton, who has four hits in his last 29 at-bats, struck out to end the game.
While Hamilton’s season-long struggles continue, Albert Pujols is batting .353 with two homers and seven RBIs since the All-Star break despite playing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Pujols is 7-for-14 with six doubles in his career against Oakland starter Tommy Milone, who has a 2.89 ERA in 23 home starts with the Athletics. Milone will also have to contend with Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick, who is expected to return to the starting lineup after being given a rare night off on Friday.
TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (2-4, 4.66 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Tommy Milone (8-8, 4.18)
Richards is moving into the starting rotation in place of the ineffective Joe Blanton, who was bumped to the bullpen. The 25-year-old Richards has worked primarily in relief this season, with four starts among his 34 appearances. “I feel like this is an opportunity to go out and pitch and to show them what I can do,” Richards told reporters.
Milone surrendered three runs (two earned) over six innings Monday against the Astros and is 2-3 with a 5.22 ERA over his last seven starts. The 26-year-old has received a total of eight runs of support in his eight losses. Hamilton is 6-for-14 with a home run against Milone, who is 3-2 with a 5.33 ERA in five career starts against the Angels.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics OF Seth Smith, mired in an 0-for-26 slump, has seven hits in his last 61 at-bats.
2. Both teams will wear throwback uniforms from 1969 for Saturday’s contest.
3. The Athletics are 24-1 against the Angels over the last three years when scoring four or more runs.
PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 2