MLB Preview 2012: Los Angeles Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles

The Los Angeles Angels (40-33) and Baltimore Orioles (41-31) will open up a three-game American League series on Tuesday night at Camden Yards, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET

Los Angeles Angels at Baltimore Orioles

The Los Angeles Angels are one of the hottest teams in baseball

Los Angeles has won 11 of its last 15 games, and is absolutely rolling in all facets of the game heading into its current road trip. “We didn’t have the offensive depth and certainly weren’t productive enough to come back in games,” stated Angels manager Mike Scioscia. All of that has certainly changed, batting .280 and scoring 147 runs over the last 30 games, which could continue in this matchup. Current players on the roster are batting .448 against tonight’s scheduled starter. Los Angeles is 3-4 after enjoying an off day this year.

Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (8-4, 2.44 ERA) has led the club to six consecutive victories, including a 12-5 home win over the San Francisco Giants last time out, allowing five runs (three earned) and 10 hits over 6.1 frames. The left-hander is 5-2 with a 2.13 ERA in nine road outings, as opposing hitters are batting just .182 against him. In 19 career games (three starts) versus the Orioles, Wilson has tallied a 2-3 record and 5.17 ERA.

Baltimore may have won two of three games against the Washington Nationals, but the offense is scuffling in not scoring more than three runs since June 16, while going 1 for 33 with runners in scoring position over its last seven contests. The Orioles bullpen has kept the club in a lot of games, entering this series with a Major League-best 2.27 ERA. Despite losing eight of the last 12 games in this particular series, the team has won six of nine at this ball park. Baltimore is 8-2 when playing after an off day, with the “over” going 7-3 in that situation.

Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matusz (5-8, 5.00 ERA) will be making his first start at home since May 27, as the club dropped three of his last four outings on the road, including a 4-3 setback to the New York Mets last time out. The left-hander is 2-3 with a 4.64 ERA in six home outings, surrendering five home runs in 33 frames. In four career starts versus the Angels, Matusz has registered a 1-3 record and 6.10 ERA, including a 6-3 road loss on April 20.