Buckle Up: Angels vs. Royals Series Preview

GAME 1- AUGUST 13TH, 8:05PM

PITCHING MATCHUP:

GARRETT RICHARDS  VS. JEREMY GUTHRIE   

. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

OUTLOOK: The Angels need a big time start from Garrett Richards tonight. It seems like this has been said more and more recently, but if he is this teams ace it starts with stopping losing streaks. Despite the 4 losses in his last 6 starts, Richards has pitched better than the numbers, the long ball has hurt him this year. Fortunately, the Royals aren’t a team that wants to hit home runs anyways. If he can stay away from the big inning and keep his pitch count down then this is a good game to steal for the Halos.

On the flipside, the Angels offense has been nonexistent recently. They have to score runs in order to win and facing Guthrie could be what this team needs. His sub 6.00 ERA is telling of the inconsistent year he’s had on the mound, and giving up 6 runs in his last outing could hopefully carry over to the Angels lineup tonight.

RECIPE FOR A WIN: 7-8, preferably 8, strong innings from Richards and 4 runs from the offense should be enough to get the job done.

Next: GAME 2