Los Angeles @ Toronto preview
Rogers Centre
Last Meeting ( Jun 30, 2012 ) LA Angels 2, Toronto 11
The Toronto Blue Jays' top hitters have heated up just in time to hand the visiting Los Angeles Angels their first back-to-back losses in nearly a month, and they'll try to make it three straight and claim the four-game series Sunday at Rogers Centre. The Jays used a seven-run second inning to power an 11-2 rout Saturday, getting three hits - including a three-run home run - from leadoff man Brett Lawrie. Toronto has hit six home runs in the first three games of the series, accounting for 13 of its 25 runs.
The Angels hope ace left-hander C.J. Wilson can cool off Toronto's hot bats like he did May 5 in Anaheim, when he struck out nine and held the Blue Jays to two runs over eight innings. Los Angeles went 17-9 in June but limped to the finish with its first back-to-back losses since June 3-4 and lost ground to American League West leader Texas.
TV: 3:07 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), SNET, TVA Sports (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH C.J. Wilson (9-4, 2.36 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Aaron Laffey (0-0, 1.80)
Wilson has won five straight decisions and posted seven consecutive quality starts since last losing May 17. He repeatedly worked out of jams Tuesday against the Orioles, scattering six hits and two walks but allowing only one run over seven innings. Wilson is 2-3 with a 3.78 ERA in 14 games (four starts) against Toronto.
After spending the first part of the season in the minors and a brief stint in Toronto's bullpen, Laffey made his first big-league start of the season Tuesday at Boston and made a strong case to stay in the rotation. He didn't get a decision but allowed only three hits in six scoreless innings. Laffey has struggled against the Angels - he is 1-3 with an 8.22 ERA in eight games (three starts) against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Angels, who entered Saturday's game with the American League's best team ERA at 3.49, have allowed seven or more runs in three consecutive games for the first time all season.
2. Angels second baseman Howard Kendrick, who is riding a six-game hitting streak but got the day off Saturday, is 4-for-9 with three doubles against Laffey.
3. Blue Jays designated hitter Adam Lind, who hit two home runs Friday but went 0-for-3 Saturday, is 5-for-10 with a home run against Wilson.