Angels at Athletics
After erupting out of their offensive doldrums in the series opener, the Los Angeles Angels may find the going tough again on Friday when they face Bartolo Colon and the Oakland Athletics. Colon handcuffed the Angels in his last outing by recording his third complete game of the season and 35th of his career, scattering four hits in a 6-0 win Sunday. Albert Pujols collected three hits and drove in a pair of runs as Los Angeles spoiled the opener of Oakland's 10-game homestand with an 8-3 victory Thursday.
The Angels hope their bats remain hot after they totaled just seven runs in their previous four contests. Derek Norris homered and drove in two in place of fellow catcher John Jaso, who was placed on the seven-day disabled list designated for players with concussions. Despite Thursday's loss, Oakland maintained its three-game lead over Texas in the American League West.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), CSCA (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jerome Williams (5-6, 4.73 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Bartolo Colon (13-3, 2.52)
Williams, who will vie for his first win since June 12, attempts to rebound after his fourth straight difficult outing. The 31-year-old was torched for six runs on eight hits in five innings in a 6-0 loss to Oakland on Sunday. Williams has permitted at least five runs in five of his last six starts.
Colon has enjoyed considerable success versus the Angels, posting an 11-6 mark with a 1.19 WHIP while limiting them to a .245 batting average. The 40-year-old Dominican is an impressive 10-1 in his last 12 outings. Colon has been ever-so-stingy at home, recording a 5-1 mark with a 1.04 WHIP and a 2.50 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles RF Josh Hamilton had an RBI single and scored a run in his return from a three-game absence due to a stiff right ankle. He is 1-for-12 against Colon.
2. Oakland OF Chris Young recorded his second multi-hit performance in three games Thursday. He is 3-for-9 with a homer in his career versus Williams.
3. Pujols has 11 hits in seven games since the All-Star break.