Mike Trout Tries to Extend Hit Streak Versus Indians, Masterson

Jun 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) tosses his bat after walking in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Angels bats exploded for nine runs, including two Mike Trout home runs, in a 9-3 victory over Cleveland last night. After all was said and done, it was Matt Shoemaker who deserved player of the game honors.

The rookie right-hander’s near-flawless outing was highlighted by career highs in inning pitched (8) and strikeouts (10). Shoemaker’s (4-1) low pitch count gave Mike Scioscia confidence enough to send him out for the ninth. Unfortunately, scattered showers carpeted Progressive Field and play was halted. The delay lasted about 10 minutes but Scioscia didn’t want his spot-starter risking injury.

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Trout’s two-homer spectacle was his first since Aug. 30, 2011 when he became Major League Baseball’s youngest player to reach the milestone. With his 3-for-5 night, Trout has reached base safely in 24 of his last 25 games; the only exception being June 3 game in Houston when he left with back stiffness.

Pitching Matchup– C.J. Wilson (7-6, 3.50 ERA) vs. Justin Masterson (4-5, 5.05 ERA)

Take away C.J. Wilson’s first inning in Atlanta last Friday and he’s in line for the victory. The Braves tagged Wilson for four two-out runs, each coming on back-to-back homers from Evan Gattis and Chris Johnson. The southpaw settled down over the next five frames, allowing three singles and a walk from then on.

After winnings six of his first nine decisions Wilson has lost three of the last four, including a 2 2/3 inning, five-run meltdown in Houston June 3. It was the only time this season Wilson threw under 100 pitches. Wilson limited the Tribe to one run through eight innings at Angel Stadium earlier this year, improving to 4-2 with a 2.50 ERA against the AL Central contender.

More impressive is his mark at Progressive Field. Since 2006, Indians batters hit Wilson to a .212 clip without a home run in the stadium formerly known as The Jake.

Justin Masterson will have his hands full with an Angels lineup averaging 5.8 runs per game on their seven-game road trip. Trout especially enjoys facing the former All-Star, going 4-for-8 with a triple and three RBIs. The right-hander yielded five runs over 7 1/3 innings at Angel Stadium April 28.

A year after his 14-win campaign, Masterson struggles with a lack of control. He walks 4.72 batters per game, second-worst only to Baltimore’s Ubaldo Jimenez, and has thrown eight wild pitched, good for third-most in the American League.

Walk offs:

1. Trout carries a season-long 12-game hit streak, dating back to June 5.
2. Josh Hamilton is hitting .588 with two home runs and five RBIs lifetime against Masterson.
3. Closer Ernest Frieri has allowed base runners in five of his last seven outings, raising his ERA by 1.46 in the span.

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