After rallying for a comeback victory in the opener, the Los Angeles Angels attempt to complete a sweep of their brief two-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Los Angeles had won six straight at Angel Stadium before being swept of a four-game set by the Houston Astros, who own the worst record in the American League. The Angels were on the verge of a fifth straight home loss before Howie Kendrick hit an RBI single in the seventh inning and Albert Pujols belted a two-run homer a frame later.
Tuesday's loss was the third in a row for Chicago, which has been outscored 24-11 during the skid. The Cubs' bullpen has struggled mightily, surrendering a total of 12 runs over eight innings in the three setbacks. Chicago has lost six of its last eight road games and is 2-2 all-time at Angel Stadium.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet (Chicago), Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Matt Garza (1-0, 3.38 ERA) vs. Angels LH Jason Vargas (5-3, 3.34)
Garza will be making his fourth start of the season. The 29-year-old, who began the campaign on the disabled list, allowed two runs and six hits over seven innings of a victory over Arizona on Friday. Garza has yet to defeat the Angels, going 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA in four career starts.
Vargas looks to extend his personal winning streak to six games. The 30-year-old has worked at least seven innings in each of the victories, allowing two runs three times while keeping the opposition scoreless in the other two wins - including a three-hit shutout against Baltimore on May 3. Vargas has never lost to the Cubs, going 2-0 with a 3.46 ERA in four career outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs went 3-2 on their five-game homestand prior to visiting Los Angeles and return to Wrigley Field for a seven-game stretch that begins Friday against Pittsburgh.
2. The Angels committed their 39th error of the season Tuesday, leaving them one behind Houston for worst in the AL.
3. Garza has surrendered 15 earned runs in 23 career innings against Los Angeles.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Angels 2