In the first of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (60-66) and the Los Angeles Angels (65-62) at Progressive Field, Danny Salazar (11-7, 3.30 ERA) and Andrew Heaney (5-2, 3.39 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 28 and will air on STOh and FSW.
In his most recent outing, Salazar pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four runs (one unearned) and striking out six in a 6-2 loss to the Yankees. Jason Kipnis (.325, 72 Rs, 7 HRs, 44 RBIs, 11 SBs) played well again Wednesday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. The Angels were unsuccessful to the Blue Jays 15-3 the last time Heaney pitched. He went 3.1 innings, giving up eight runs, striking out three and walking three. Mike Trout (.295, 81 Rs, 33 HRs, 73 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Indians are third in the league in WHIP at 1.20.
The Angels are known for their bats, hitting 333 extra base hits. Los Angeles’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 6.4 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.1.
In their previous three games this season, the Angels have a 2-1 record. The Indians will take on a left-hander (Heaney) in this game. They have done very poorly against left-handed starting pitchers this season (15-27), especially at home where they have a 5-14 record. The right-handed Salazar will take the mound against the Angels, who have a 46-47 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle
Notes
Cleveland has won 45% (18-22) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Los Angeles has won 64% (32-18) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Angels are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Indians have a 6-16 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 46-14. The Indians have a 51-10 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st, Los Angeles sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 509 this season. Cleveland ranks in the bottom half at 20th with 510.
Ranking first in walks, Cleveland has earned 436 this season. Los Angeles ranks 19th with 345 walks.
The Indians are 45-26 when they hit at least one home run. The Angels perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 51-30 record.
