Series Preview: A’s @ Angels (Last Week Redux)

A’s (29-30) @ Angels (29-31)

Seems like only last week the Angels were playing the A’s in Oakland...

The Angels took the series last week 2 games 1 and they scored 23 runs in the process. The Angels have been playing some good baseball lately and the A’s, well, have not. But much of that is due to strength of opponents, so take that with a grain of salt.

Know your foe:

A’s - who’s hot (last 7 days):

Ramón Laureano .318 AVG, 2 HR, 3 RBI
Matt Champan .348 OBP, 2HR, 3 RBI

Weather Forecast

GAME 1

(R) Griffin Canning (3.06 ERA) v. (R) Frankie Montas (2.81 ERA)
Tuesday, June 4th @ 7:07PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Angels Summary:

When Griffin Canning faced the A’s last week, he held them to just 1 run on 3 hits over 6 innings. Over Canning’s last 3 starts he has only allowed 9 in 18 innings with a 1.00 ERA.

Pitch Data:

A’s Summary:

The Angels couldn’t figure out Frankie Montas when they face him back on March 31st. He allowed just 3 hits and 1 run in that game. However, last time out, the Angels got to Montas for 4 runs over 4 innings. It helped that Montas walked 5 batters. Those 4 earned runs were the most he’s given up in a game all season.

Pitch Data:

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GAME 2

(R) Felix Pena (3.42 ERA) v. (R) Daniel Mengden (3.05 ERA)
Wednesday, June 5th @ 7:07PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Angels Summary:

Felix Pena has a bit of a rough outing against the A’s back on March 30th when he gave up 4 runs over 3.2 innings. Since then, he’s yet to give up more than 3 runs in a game and in 6 of his games has given up zero or one run.

Pitch Data:

A’s Summary:

Daniel Mengden has made only 4 starts for the A’s this year and in his last 3 has allowed only 1 run each start. His last start was against the Angels where he went 4.1 innings with 1 run allowed on 4 hits. He also struck out 6.

Pitch Data:

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GAME 3

(L) Tyler Skaggs v. (R) Mike Fiers (4.78 ERA)
Thursday, June 6th @ 7:07PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Angels Summary:

Tyler Skaggs’ lasts outing against the A’s was back on March 31st when he allowed only 2 runs but last just 4.2 innings. Khris Davis, who owns Skaggs, launched a home run in that game. In his last time on the bump, Skaggs threw 7 innings but allowed 4 runs in a loss against the Mariners.

Pitch Data:

A’s Summary:

The Angels failed to score and almost forgot to hit (only 1 hit allowed) agains Fiers back on March 28th. Fiers had a bit of a shaky April but hasn’t allowed more than 3 runs in his last7 starts. He has a 2.85 ERA over that span.

Pitch Data:

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Overall Verdict: Can the Angels beat the A’s in back to back series? Maybe. Two games might be the best scenario but their bats have been heating up. The other thing the Angels have going for them is three strong starters in this series so watch out for a surprise sweep.

Current Standings (sorted by playoff odds)

Notes/Credits:
(Pitch tracking data from baseballsavant.mlb.com)
(Splits from FanGraphs Splits Tool and Baseball Reference)
(Standings/odds from fivethirtyeight.com)