Series Preview: Angels @ Athletics (Return of Richards)

The Angels swept the A’s last week and outscored them 21-11. They are going to need more of that mojo if they plan to gain ground in the wild card hunt. The Angels have beat the A’s 10 games to 6 this year but last time they were in Oakland they dropped 2 out of 3. Good news? The A’s have been struggling and have dropped their last 6 games.

In this series we get to see Garrett Richards return, Bridwell get revenge (hopefully), and Phillips should be coming around. September baseball is fun!!

Question: Can the Angels extend the A’s losing streak to 9 ?

GAME 1

Parker Bridwell v. Chris Smith
Monday, September 4th @ 1:05PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Summary:

Parker Bridwell has been very solid for the Angels but was beat up his time on the mound and the team that beat him up? Oakland. He’ll be looking for a rebound here as well as a chance at redemption.

Chris Smith has started 9 games in 2017, including his last game in which the Angels hammered him for 7 runs (6 earned) and 2 homers in 3.2 innings. Smith has given up 3 more runs in all of his starts except for against Tampa Bay back in July.

Verdict: Bridwell should have a rebound game here and it’s hard to think the A’s would get to him twice. He has the edge over Smith in this matchup - most likely.

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GAME 2

Garrett Richards v. Kendall Graveman
Tuesday, September 5th @ 7:05PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Summary:

Garrett Richards is back! Richards only made 1 rehab start and he only threw 2 innings. It’s hard to believe he’ll go more than 50 or 60 pitches here, but he could help give the Angels a good jump early in this game.

The Angels knocked around Graveman last week but in his previous 3 starts against them this year he’s held them to just 2 runs each game. Prior to the 5 runs he gave up to the Angels last week, he had a 2.25 ERA in his prior 3 games.

Verdict: Assuming Richards is a close to his potential in this game, he should give the Angels a solid start. The question may be how long he can last and what version of Graveman shows up.

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GAME 3

Tyler Skaggs v. Sean Manaea
Wednesday, September 6th @ 12:35PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Summary:

Tyler Skaggs has not been so hot in 2017. Over his last 3 starts he has a 9.75 ERA and he only lasted 2 innings against the Rangers. He’s face the A’s twice this year in early August and way back on April 6th. He’s allowed 8 runs over 9.1 innings against Oakland in 2017.

Sean Manaea has a 9.73 ERA against the 2017 Angels in 3 starts. However, over his last 3 starts he had some pretty solid outings.

Verdict: Could really go either way as both pitchers have had their share of struggles this year. Might even see both teams hit the bullpen early.

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Overall Verdict: Angels should win this series but a sweep is certainly no gaurantee.