Series Preview: Rockies @ Angels (Maybe just 1)

Angels 63-68
Rockies 71-59

The Angels desperately need a win in this mini series after dropping their 6th straight game on Sunday. Earlier in the season the two teams split their 2 game set with the Angels outscoring the Rockies at Coors by a score of 10-4. While the Angels have been struggling mightily, the Rockies haven’t been a whole lot better with a .500 record over their past 6 games.

However, the Rockies have been a much better road team than home team this year and those last 6 games were played at Coors.

Know your foe:

Rockies - who’s hot (last 7 days):

Nolan Arenado .480 OBP, 1 home run, 5 walks
Charlie Blackmon .391 OBP, 1 home run, 2 stolen bases
DJ LeMahieu .409 OBP

Our DL is bigger than yours:

Weather Forecast

GAME 1

Odrisamer Despaigne(R) (6.35 ERA) v. Jon Gray(R) (4.67 ERA)
Friday, August 27th @ 7:07 PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Summary:

In his two starts for the Angels, Despaigne has a 9.00 ERA, and that should really surprise no one. He’s also given up 12 hits and 2 walks in those 8 innings of work. Despaigne made a start against the Rockies last September and held them to 2 runs over 6 innings.

Pitch Arsenal:

Jon Gray has a 3.33 ERA in his last 4 starts and is having a pretty decent season - though not quite as strong as 2017. Gray faced the Angels way back on May 8th and held them scoreless on 4 hits over 7 innings.

Pitch Arsenal:

Verdict: Lol. Despaigne vs. Gray isn’t really even fair. Don’t get your hopes up for the Angels breaking their losing streak on this one.

---

GAME 2

TBD v. Kyle Freeland(L) (2.96 ERA)
Saturday, August 28th @ 7:07 PM

Summary:

The Angels have yet to announce a pitcher for Tuesday’s game. Heaney, Barria, and Pena are all not available based on the rotation schedule. It’s possible we see another bullpen start by Taylor Cole who hasn’t pitched in AAA since the 24th when he went only 1 inning.

Kyle Freeland’s sophomore season is showing much improvement and over his last 4 starts he has a 1.72 ERA. Freeland, who is pitching much better at home than on the road, hasn’t faced the Angels yet in his short career.

Pitch Arsenal:

Verdict: Yeah I’m not liking the Angels odds here, especially if Cole or a bullpen game is play.

---

Overall Verdict: I have a good feeling about a split series here, but don’t hold me to it. No idea which game the Angels are going to win but I can feel one coming.

Current Standings