Angels at Athletics
The Oakland Athletics finally kept an opponent under six runs on Saturday, ending a pair of losing streaks in the process. Oakland looks to break even on its 10-game homestand when it faces the Los Angeles Angels in the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday.
The Athletics, who allowed a total of 34 runs during a four-game overall slide, ended that skid - and a six-gamer against American League West rivals - with Saturday's 6-4 triumph. Chad Pinder went 3-for-3 with a homer and scored three times as Oakland remained the only team in the majors that is unbeaten when leading after seven innings, improving to 26-0 in such contests. Former Athletic Chris Young belted a three-run shot in the setback as Los Angeles fell to 3-5 on its nine-game road trip. Mike Trout was held without an RBI for the first time in five contests but went 1-for-3 and crossed the plate once as he improved to 11-for-17 with seven runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (3-5, 3.68 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (6-6, 3.90)
After tossing a one-hit shutout against Kansas City in his previous start, Heaney lasted only three innings at Seattle on Monday as he was tagged for five runs and seven hits - three homers - en route to his third loss in four decisions. The 27-year-old native of Oklahoma has pitched well this season at home, posting a 2.35 ERA as opposed to a 5.68 mark on the road. Heaney has made three career starts against Oakland, going 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA.
Mengden posted a stellar 1.51 ERA over six starts last month but has struggled mightily in June thus far, surrendering 12 runs over 8 2/3 innings in two outings - both losses. The 25-year-old Texan has issued seven walks in the setbacks after handing out a total of eight free passes in his first 12 turns of the year. Mengden has yielded 14 runs (13 earned) over 8 2/3 frames while losing both of his career starts against the Angels, including a setback in his season debut on March 31 in which he gave up six runs (five earned) and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics sent OF Boog Powell (knee) and LHP Ryan Buchter (shoulder) to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday to continue their rehab assignments.
2. Los Angeles activated SS Andrelton Simmons, who went 0-for-4 on Saturday, from the 10-day disabled list and purchased the contract of LHP John Lamb, who allowed two runs in five innings, from Triple-A Salt Lake while optioning SS Nolan Fontana to the Bees and designating RHP Oliver Drake for assignment.
3. Oakland placed 3B Matt Chapman (thumb) on the 10-day DL and optioned RHP Carlos Ramirez to Nashville while recalling 2B Franklin Barreto, who went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Saturday, and RHP Josh Lucas from the Sounds.