Garrett Richards (1-3, 2.34 ERA) starts for the Los Angeles Angels (13-15) as they square off against Chris Archer (1-4, 5.01 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (12-14) in the first of a three-game series at Angel Stadium. Action begins at 10:05 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 6 and can be seen on FSW.
Richards pitched 4.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering four, striking out four and walking one in a 9-6 win over the Rangers. Mike Trout (.317, 16 Rs, 7 HRs, 22 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong play Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Archer went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking four in a 4-3 win over the Blue Jays in his most recent start. Steven Souza Jr. (.253, 11 Rs, 6 HRs, 12 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 2 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
The Angels managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rays who are coming in with a 5-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 2-12. The Rays have a 2-9 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 18th in home runs, Los Angeles has hit 25 this season. Tampa Bay ranks eighth with 34 home runs.
Ranking 28th, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 67 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top half at 14th with 86.
When the Angels hit at least one home run, they are 10-7, well-matched with the Rays who are 10-9 when hitting one or more homers.
