Game No. 26: Los Angeles Angels (12-13) vs. Cleveland Indians (11-15)

Apr 23, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) works during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Angels didn’t land in Orange County until 5:15 a.m. Monday morning, but their bats were wide awake against the Indians. Mike Trout and Raul Ibanez combined for four hits, two runs and three RBIs in winning the opener of a nine-game home stand.

Cleveland’s slumping offense was not match for Tyler Skaggs’ ability to force bad swings. His only mistake was a ball left up to Carlos Santana, which cleared the left field wall. Skaggs didn’t get a decision but pitched well enough to earn a quality start and lower his ERA to 3.34. Given Jered Weaver’s history against the Tribe, we can expect more of the same tonight.

Pitching Matchup– Jered Weaver (1-2, 4.11 ERA) vs. Corey Kluber (2-2, 3.90 ERA)

The Angels’ ace has been anything but through five starts. He’s nearly one run above his career ERA (3.26), hasn’t thrown over 100 pitches, and hasn’t lasted through the sixth inning all year. Weaver nearly notched a victory last Wednesday were it not for Ernesto Frieri’s ninth-inning meltdown.

Weaver’s career 3.05 ERA against Cleveland is somewhat misleading. He’s 6-0 with a 1.64 ERA at Progressive Field, but sports a 1-3 record at Angel Stadium. That includes his last two starts in which he allowed eight runs in 12 innings. More alarming is his 4.85 ERA at home this year.

Corey Kluber is coming off his first career complete game; a 5-1 win over Kansas City. He became the first Indians pitcher to go the distance while recording 11 strikeouts in over 30 years. Tonight will be Kluber’s first-ever start against the Angels.

Walk offs:

Seven of the Angels’ last nine losses have come by one run.
Joe Smith has not been scored on in 11 of 12 appearances.
Cleveland’s 4-5-6 hitters are 3-for-41 since Friday night’ game in San Francisco.

TV: 7:05 p.m. PT, Fox Sports West, Sports Time Ohio

Radio: KLAA 830, WTAM 1100