Angels In Mini Slump
It’s been more than three months since the Los Angeles Angels lost a series to an AL team. Barely three days have passed since Francisco Rodriguez’s last blown save.
After narrowly avoiding another one, Rodriguez could break his own franchise record for saves in one season if he’s on the mound Sunday when the Angels close their series with the Cleveland Indians.
Oddsmakers from SBG Global have made Los Angeles -140 money line favorites (MLB Odds) for today’s game, the over/under has been set at 9 total runs (Matchup). Current public betting information shows that 81% of bets for this game have been placed on Los Angeles -140 (View MLB Bet Percentages).
However, K-Rod has not looked very sharp lately.
He did notch his 47th save in Saturday’s 4-3 victory, equaling the single-season club record he set in 2006, but nearly blew his second straight save opportunity.
Rodriguez gave up a leadoff single to Jhonny Peralta in the ninth inning and two outs later, with pinch-runner Franklin Gutierrez at second, Ryan Garko lined a pitch inches foul which would have scored the tying run. Instead, Rodriguez ended up striking out Garko to end the game and even this series at one game apiece.
"That was close, but that’s the way it goes sometimes, an inch here or there," Garko said. "He’s a good pitcher."
As good as he is, Rodriguez has appeared vulnerable in recent weeks.
He gave three runs to Seattle in the ninth inning Wednesday and drew his first career ejection, then the Angels lost 10-7 in 12 innings. The All-Star closer has been scored upon in four of his last eight appearances, allowing seven runs – five earned – and nine hits in six innings.
If the Angels (76-45) lose Sunday, this will be their first series loss to an AL opponent since a three-game sweep in Tampa Bay from May 9-11. They haven’t lost any series since dropping two of three to the Los Angeles Dodgers from June 27-29.
Los Angeles, though, maintains a big lead in the AL West and the best record in the majors.
Joe Saunders (14-5, 3.07 ERA) leads the team in victories and now looks to avoid his first loss since July 8. The Angels have won all five of his starts since the All-Star break as he’s gone 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA.
Saunders, among the league leaders in ERA, has not given up more than three earned runs in 10 consecutive outings.
"I think Joe’s become really comfortable with what he needs to do to get hitters out," manager Mike Scioscia told the Angels’ official Web site. "He’s not afraid of contact, and he’s got a good arm, which is the start of everything."
The left-hander has been outstanding in three career starts against the Indians, going 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA. He last faced them on April 7 and did not get a decision in the Angels’ 6-4 win after allowing a run and four hits in eight innings.
One of the few Indians to have success against Saunders is Peralta, going 3-for-9 with two homers. Peralta is 4-for-9 in this series and batting .444 (16-for-36) in his last nine games versus the Angels.
Cleveland has lost three of four since winning five in a row and has not won a series at home since the All-Star break.
Jeremy Sowers (1-6, 5.70) starts for the Indians seeking his first home win in nearly two years. He is 0-4 with a 5.11 ERA in 12 starts at Progressive Field since beating Detroit on Aug. 25, 2006.
He’s won just twice in his last 28 starts overall, posting a 6.07 ERA. Sowers has pitched at least six innings in five consecutive starts, but he’s winless in his last four and has given up four runs in three straight.
This is Sowers’ first start of the season versus the Angels. He’s faced them three times, going 0-1 with a 4.74 ERA.
Los Angeles’ Garret Anderson had two hits Saturday and is riding a 20-game hitting streak, during which he’s batting .386.
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