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Los Angeles Angels Host Seattle to Open Second Half

By Jose Serrano
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Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, Mike Trout was named All-Star game MVP and the American League gained home field advantage through the World Series.

That’s great, but it’s time to get back to business.

The Los Angeles Angels couldn’t be happier the midsummer classic is over. They were on a roll having won five in a row while maintaining a 12-2 record in July.

Since facing Toronto July 8, six of the Angels’ everyday players-including Trout and Albert Pujols-have combined for a .337 batting average. The duo combined for 20 hits, 15 RBIs, and 12 runs scored leading up to their series finale with Texas last Sunday.

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    • Erick Aybar’s fielding garnered him an All-Star slot but his bat’s made him an offensive threat, going 8-for-25 with five RBIs over the last week, and Howie Kendrick has raised his average .290 in the span.

    The Angels led MLB in most offensive categories through 94 games. Let’s see if they can carry the momentum.

    Pitching Matchup – Jered Weaver (10-6, 3.45 ERA) vs. Hisashi Iwakuma (8-4, 2.98 ERA)

    Somewhere between June 16-20 Jered Weaver found his groove. The staff’s ace has notched three consecutive victories with the Angels winning his last five outings.

    His high walk rate is a concern, as is his decreased velocity, but Weaver is adjusting accordingly. With the exception of a July 1 start in Chicago, Weaver hasn’t allowed more than two runs since mid-June.

    Weaver is 1-1 against Seattle this season, making up for an Opening Day loss with a three-run, seven-inning performance at Safeco Field on May 27.

    Hisashi Iwakuma hasn’t faced the Angels this year but is 5-0 with a 1.49 ERA over the past two seasons. The right-hander missed the first month of the season with a finger injury but leads the majors with a dazzling 0.74 walks per nine innings ratio.

    He’s won his last three decisions, yielding a combined three runs without allowing a free pass.

    Walk offs:

    1. The Angels are on pace to win 100 games, a feat they haven’t reached since 2008.
    2. Robinson Cano is batting .345 with three RBIs lifetime against Weaver.
    3. The teams don’t meet again until late September following this series.

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

    Radio: KLAA 830, 710 ESPN (Seattle)

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