Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Hector Santiago (4-3, 2.18 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (28-25) go up against Nathan Karns (3-2, 3.32 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (27-26) in the last of a three-game series at Angel Stadium. The Rays won the last game 6-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 10:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jun. 3 and will air on SunSports and FSN-W.
In his most recent outing, Santiago pitched 7.1 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking three in a 2-0 victory over the Tigers. Albert Pujols (.254, 28 Rs, 14 HRs, 27 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Rays were unsuccessful the last time Karns pitched. He pitched well, going, going 6.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 2-1 loss to the Orioles. Logan Forsythe (.288, 22 Rs, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
Los Angeles is a -133 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the Angels have a 17-14 record and overall money line at +104. The Angels rank fourth in the AL in ERA with a 3.58 team average. The Angels are third in the AL in hits allowed with just 7.9 per game.
On the other side, the Rays have a record of 14-14 when they are the underdog and are -134 overall with the money line. The Rays are a problem for opposing batters, sporting an AL-low 3.42 ERA this season. They have a WHIP of 1.16, third best in the MLB.
The Angels will take on a right-hander (Karns) in this game and have a 20-20 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Rays will be the left-hander Santiago. They sport a 6-8 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Over
Notes
When the Angels and the Rays play into extra innings, both teams have a 1-2 record.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Angels have a 4-10 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 20-7. The Rays have a 21-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 201 this season. Los Angeles ranks 20th with 209 runs.
Ranking 20th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 133 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the top half at 15th with 152.
The Angels are 19-14 when they hit at least one home run. Tampa Bay has the same record when hitting one or more homers.
