Los Angeles @ Seattle preview
T-Mobile Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 12, 2012 ) Seattle 4, LA Angels 1
The Los Angeles Angels are putting the pieces together toward a postseason push. The Angels will vie for their eighth win in 10 outings on Friday when they open a three-game set against the American League West rival Seattle Mariners. Albert Pujols ripped a two-run double as Los Angeles completed a season series sweep of reeling Boston with a 5-2 triumph on Thursday. The Angels sit 3 1/2 games in back of Baltimore for the second wild-card spot.
Despite nursing a sore calf, Pujols' power display has been evident as the veteran slugger has collected five homers and 14 RBIs over the last 11 games. Pujols, however, suffered a power outage in his last meeting with Seattle as he went hitless in 12 at-bats from Aug. 10-12. Although residing in the division's cellar, the Mariners claimed their 11th win in 15 outings with a 5-4 triumph over Minnesota on Thursday.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSW (California), ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Dan Haren (8-10, 4.82 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Kevin Millwood (4-11, 4.28)
Pitching with additional rest, Haren gave up two runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings at Detroit last time out, not factoring in the decision. He had failed to get through the fourth inning in his previous two outings, and is seeking to halt a four-start winless streak. Haren has enjoyed great success against the Mariners, posting an 11-6 record and 2.69 ERA in 21 career starts.
Millwood has pitched better than his record indicates but he can't buy a win. He is 0-3 in his last five starts, giving up four runs - three earned - in a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. He has won just once in his last 16 starts, going 1-7 with a 4.63 ERA in that span. In 17 career starts against the Angels, Millwood is 6-5 with a 3.98 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Seattle OF Michael Saunders is expected to return to the lineup on Friday. Saunders has been sidelined a week with a groin injury.
2. Los Angeles 2B Howie Kendrick exited Thursday's contest with a sore right knee, bringing about the end of his 15-game hitting streak in the process.
3. The Mariners have certainly been flexing their muscles in August. Seattle's 28 homers are its most in a month since going deep 29 times in September 2009.