Game No. 14: Los Angeles Angels (6-7) vs. Oakland A’s (9-4)

Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Following last night’s heart wrenching loss to Oakland, the Angels still have an opportunity to take two of three from the defending division champs. Hector Santiago earned his first quality start as a Halo only to have Ernesto Frieri blow the save when he mislocated a fastball that John Jaso launched into the right field pavilion. Still, it was a sign that the Angels’ starting pitching is coming together. Now only if Mike Trout and company could offer some run support.

Pitching Matchup– Garrett Richards (2-0, 0.75 ERA) vs. Dan Straily (1-1, 2.77 ERA)

Garrett Richards is on the verge of a breakout season. His miniscule ERA leads the staff and his one walk ties Tyler Skaggs for fewest among starters. If his dazzling season debut against the Astros wasn’t enough, Richards shut out the hot hitting Mariners through seven innings last week.

The A’s have always posed a threat to Richards. The right-hander has faced them eight times-four starts- and is 0-2 with a 5.00 ERA. In his first and last start against Oakland last season, Richards lasted less than six innings and allowed seven unearned runs per outing.

Similarly, Dan Straily isn’t fond of facing the Angels. In six starts, Straily is 1-3 with a 5.82 ERA and his success at O.co Coliseum hasn’t translated to Angel Stadium where he allowed 11 earned runs in just 11 innings last season. Dating back to last August, Straily hasn’t given up more than three earned runs in any of his starts, including the playoffs.

Walk offs:

In celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, players from both teams will wear No. 42.
Albert Pujols is four home runs shy of the 500 mark.
A’s starters have allowed three earned runs or fewer in their last 13 outings.

Forecast: Clear, temperature in the mid-60s

TV: 7:05 p.m. PT, Fox Sports West, CSN (Oakland)

Radio: KLAA 830, 95.7 FM The Game (Oakland)