Game No. 2: Los Angeles Angels (0-1) vs. Seattle Mariners (1-0)

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from a Mike Trout home run and Albert Pujols RBI double, the Los Angeles Angels offensive was stagnant in a 10-3 loss to Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners last night. As if that wasn’t ominous enough heading into 2014, Angels hitting coach Don Baylor broke his during the ceremonial first pitch.

C.J. Wilson looks to turn the tide when he faces Erasmo Ramirez Tuesday.

Pitching Matchup– C.J. Wilson (0-0) vs. Erasmo Ramirez (0-0)

Wilson is coming off a dominant spring in which he posted a 1.88 ERA in six starts. He led the Angels in innings (212 1/3) and strikeouts (188) last year on his way to a career-high 17 wins. If anyone is going to spark the Angels’ pitching staff, it’s going to be Wilson.

His durability -over 200 innings each of the last four seasons- will be crucial in giving the shaky Angels bullpen a breather. Luckily, Wilson has overwhelming success against the Mariners over his last 11 starts, holding a 2.14 ERA in that span.

Ramirez wasn’t expecting to pitch in the middle game of this week’s series, but All-star righty Hisashi Iwakuma is on the disabled list due to a torn ligament in his right middle finger. Ramirez had a 4.98 ERA through 14 starts last season and his role in the Mariners’ staff was a question mark heading into spring training.

He rightfully earned a spot in the rotation, giving up just three earned runs in 23 2/3 Cactus League innings. Ramirez also has relative success against the Halos, pitching to a 1.42 ERA in two starts.

Walk offs:

Raul Ibanez and David Freese, the Angels newest offensive weapons, went a combined 0-8 last night.
Mike Trout is 4 for 10 with a home run lifetime against Erasmo Ramirez.
Last night’s loss snapped the Angels’ franchise-record of five consecutive Opening Day victories.

Forecast: Overcast with showers at times

TV: 7:05 p.m. PT, Fox Sports West, ROOT Sports, MLB Network

Radio: KLAA 830, 710 ESPN