Los Angeles @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 9, 2013 ) LA Angels 5, Cleveland 2
After getting unceremoniously swept in a four-game set by Detroit, the Cleveland Indians sputtered out of the gate in their series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. The Indians look to snap their five-game losing skid on Saturday against the Angels, who have scored in the first inning in each of the last six contests. Josh Hamilton's three-run homer highlighted a five-run opening frame as Los Angeles cruised to a 5-2 triumph on Friday.
Asdrubal Cabrera and Michael Brantley belted homers for Cleveland, which mustered little else en route to falling four games behind Texas in the race for the second wild-card in the American League. Both batters have struggled mightily versus Saturday starter C.J. Wilson, however. Cabrera is 4-for-13 with four strikeouts while Brantley has one hit in 11 at-bats versus the left-hander.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH C.J. Wilson (11-6, 3.49 ERA) vs. Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (8-6, 4.18)
Wilson settled for his second straight no-decision after permitting four runs (three earned) over 7 1/3 innings against Toronto on Sunday. The 32-year-old has allowed only 10 homers - including two in his last 11 outings - although he has issued multiple free passes in nine of those contests. Wilson, who is 7-1 since June 14, owns a 2-2 career mark versus Cleveland while holding it to a .195 batting average.
Jimenez suffered his second loss in three outings after yielding five runs (two earned) on nine hits in four innings against Miami on Aug. 2. The 29-year-old Dominican has struggled with his control, allowing multiple walks in each of his last 11 contests and 62 overall. Jimenez has been throttled by the Angels, losing all three contests while boasting an inflated 7.23 ERA and 1.61 WHIP.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles 2B Howie Kendrick is expected to be placed on the disabled list prior to Saturday's contest. An MRI exam on Kendrick's left knee revealed no structural damage, but manager Mike Scioscia admitted that "he's still sore."
2. Cleveland has been outscored 30-13 during its losing skid.
3. Hamilton has struggled versus Jimenez, going 1-for-9 with five strikeouts.
PREDICTION: Indians 3, Angels 2