Game No. 15: Los Angeles Angels (6-8) vs. Oakland A’s (10-4)

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes it’s hard distinguishing this year’s Los Angeles Angels team from the one that placed third in the AL West standings last season. The Halo bullpen couldn’t hold a one-run lead for the second consecutive night, losing to Oakland in extra innings. Whereas Ernesto Frieri blew it Monday, Joe Smith– who entered the game without allowing a run in his previous six innings- got lit up for four runs and didn’t record an out.

Tonight, Tyler Skaggs looks to stop a potential three-game sweep. For that to happen, Mike Scioscia may need to avoid his relievers.

Pitching Matchup– Tyler Skaggs (1-0, 2.40 ERA) vs. Tommy Milone (0-1, 5.40 ERA)

Skaggs’ first start was stellar. The following outing, not so much. He gave up four runs and nine hits in seven innings to the New York Mets last Friday. The control was there, Mets hitters were just placing the ball perfectly.

The 22-year-old lefty has never faced the A’s, having played in Arizona the previous two years. He faces an Oakland team whose won eight of their last nine games and battered Garrett Richards around for five earned runs last night. If Skaggs continues to hit his spots and limit walks- only one so far in 2014- he should be able to hinder the normally low-scoring A’s offense.

Tommy Milone is the weak point on a starting rotation that hadn’t allowed three or more runs in their last 13 outings, until last night. Seattle rough Milone up for three runs on 10 hits last Friday. Last season, he posted a 12-9 with a 4.14 ERA, which includes three victories over the Angels.

Walk offs:

Oakland swept the Angels at a similar point last season, winning three straight from April 9-11.
Albert Pujols went 0 for 5 last night, snapping his 10-game hitting streak.
Chris Iannetta stole a base yesterday, his first since Sept. 4, 2012.

Forecast: Chilly and partly cloudy, temperature in the low-60s

TV: 7:05 p.m. PT, KCOP, CSN (Oakland)

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