Los Angeles @ Milwaukee preview
Miller Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 30, 2013 ) LA Angels 5, Milwaukee 0
The Los Angeles Angels' pitchers have shut out two straight opponents while extending their scoreless streak to 22 innings. Los Angeles will vie for its seventh win in eight outings as well as an interleague series victory on Saturday when it visits the Milwaukee Brewers. Rookie Grant Green ripped a three-run double and Kole Calhoun homered among his two hits as the Angels cruised to a 5-0 triumph on Friday.
The Brewers failed to score a run despite loading the bases in both the fourth and seventh innings. While Milwaukee didn't make much noise with its offense on Friday, it kept busy by adjusting its pitching. The Brewers traded reliever John Axford to National League Central rival St. Louis, thus positioning Jim Henderson to be the team's unquestioned closer.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), FSWI (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jerome Williams (5-10, 4.69 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Marco Estrada (6-4, 4.44)
Williams' tough-luck season continued in his last start as he was done in by Nick Swisher's two-run homer en route to a 3-1 loss to Cleveland on Aug. 21. The 31-year-old tossed three scoreless innings of relief against Tampa Bay on Wednesday, but did not record a decision. Williams, who last won on June 12, owns a 3-2 mark on the road with a 4.15 ERA.
Estrada improved to 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in August after allowing one hit over seven sizzling innings en route to a 3-1 triumph over Cincinnati. The 30-year-old has struck out 21 against three walks since being activated from the disabled list. Estrada, who has yet to face the Angels in his career, has permitted 17 homers in 16 starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels OF Mike Trout secured his American League-best 80th walk on Friday and third in two games. He also has eight hits in six contests.
2. Milwaukee RHP Tyler Thornburg, who pitched a scoreless inning of relief in the series opener, was named Monday's starting pitcher. The Brewers also shuffled LHP Tom Gorzelanny to the bullpen.
3. Los Angeles OF Josh Hamilton sat out the series opener with a sore shoulder, but is expected to be inserted into the lineup on Saturday.
PREDICTION: Angels 4, Brewers 0