Twins at Angels
The Los Angeles Angels put on a power display in the series opener and look to continue swinging hot bats when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins on Friday. Los Angeles launched three home runs Thursday but watched its four-run lead disappear before Kole Calhoun lifted a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning that led to a 7-4 triumph.
Ian Kinsler belted one of the homers for the Angels while collecting three hits along with Andrelton Simmons, who has registered at least that many in three of his last six contests. Japanese two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani also went deep and added an RBI double as he has hit safely in 14 of the 16 games in which he served as designated hitter. Brian Dozier went 4-for-4, registering half of Minnesota's hits - including a three-run homer - as the team saw its five-game winning streak come to an end. Byron Buxton (toe) was activated from the disabled list Thursday and started in center field, going 0-for-2 with a walk.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Lance Lynn (1-3, 7.28 ERA) vs. Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (3-2, 3.08)
After a dismal first month with his new team, Lynn posted his elusive first victory Saturday in Chicago as he limited the White Sox to two runs on eight hits and struck out seven in six innings. The 30-year-old native of Indiana posted an 8.37 ERA over five starts in April, surrendering five or more runs in four of the outings. Lynn made his only career start against the Angels while with St. Louis in 2013, when he yielded five runs and nine hits over six innings in a loss on the road.
Skaggs has allowed fewer than three runs in each of his last three starts, including a no-decision at Seattle on Saturday in which he gave up two with seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old Californian has struggled at home this season, going 0-2 while surrendering 10 runs over 14 1/3 frames in three turns. Skaggs has made 64 starts in his career but will be facing Minnesota for the first time.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels OF Justin Upton has homered in three straight contests and is 8-for-23 during his five-game hitting streak.
2. To make room on the roster for Buxton, Minnesota optioned OF Ryan LaMarre to Triple-A Rochester.
3. Los Angeles activated RHP Keynan Middleton (elbow) from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday and optioned OF Jabari Blash to Triple-A Salt Lake.