Boston @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 20, 2015 ) Boston 1, LA Angels 11

The Los Angeles Angels look to continue their dominant post-All Star break pitching when they host the Boston Red Sox in a split doubleheader Monday. The Angels blanked the Red Sox in the opening two contests of the series before suffering the first home rainout since 1995 on Sunday, and attempt to record their first three-game shutout streak in almost 41 years.

The Angels offense is due after managing only Mike Trout’s walk-off solo homer on Friday and five hits in a 3-0 triumph Saturday while slugger Albert Pujols is 3-for-25 in his last six games. Boston averaged almost six runs in the nine games before the All-Star break, but has collected seven hits and is 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position combined in the series. Pablo Sandoval, who needs to get hot if the Red Sox are to climb back in the playoff race, had their only two hits Saturday. The Angels have won 13 of their last 16 contests to take a one-game lead over Houston in the American League West.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Steven Wright (3-2, 4.15 ERA) vs. Angels LH Andrew Heaney (3-0, 1.32)

Wright makes his fifth start of the season and his only victory in that role this season came in his first career outing against the Angels on May 23. The 30-year-old knuckleballer has not made a start since June 4 and permitted two runs in 6 1/3 innings against the Angels. Kole Calhoun is 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs versus Wright, who permitted six runs over 6 1/3 innings in his last four relief appearances.

Heaney has been outstanding since being recalled, posting four straight quality starts and allowing three runs in 21 1/3 innings to win his last three. The 24-year-old Oklahoma State product, who was acquired in a trade last December, has compiled 23 strikeouts and four walks in 27 1/3 frames overall. Heaney was 0-3 with a 5.83 ERA in seven outings (five starts) as a rookie with Miami last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 1B Mike Napoli is 5-for-12 with four homers in four games against the Angels in 2015 and is a .322 hitter all time versus his former team.

2. Los Angeles RHP Huston Street is one shy of becoming the 27th player in major league history to reach 300 saves.

3. The Red Sox are 17-27 against their American League East rivals and 25-22 versus the rest of baseball.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Red Sox 2