The Los Angeles Angels (71-63) and Oakland Athletics (76-57) will open up a crucial three-game American League West series on Monday afternoon in the Bay Area, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05 ET

Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics 

Los Angeles had its five-game win streak snapped in suffering a 2-1 road loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, as the club continues to sit in third place in the divisional standings.  “Every game’s important now,” commented Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver.  The Halos are 3.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles and 5.5 games behind their opponent in this series in the AL Wild Card standings.  Los Angeles is 20-8 in its last 28 series openers.

Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (10-9, 3.86 ERA) has led the club to consecutive victories over the Boston Red Sox, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) and 16 hits over 11 combined innings.  The left-hander is 6-4 with a 3.87 ERA in 16 road outings, issuing 44 walks and collecting 83 strikeouts in 95.1 frames.  In 40 career appearances (11 starts) versus the Athletics, Wilson has compiled a 6-7 record and 3.56 ERA, including a 4-10 road loss on Aug. 7.

Oakland certainly benefited from hosting the sinking Boston Red Sox, earning a sweep of the weekend series, which included a 20-2 blowout on Friday.  “It’s crazy,” commented Athletics pitcher Brett Anderson.  “Who would have predicted that we’d be tied with the Yankees for the same record?”  The club has tallied nine consecutive victories in total, which has helped produce Major League Baseball’s best mark since the July.  Oakland is 14-3 in 17 games as a home underdog.

Athletics starting pitcher Tommy Milone (11-9, 3.73 ERA) has led the club to three consecutive victories, allowing five runs and 16 hits over 19 combined innings.  The left-hander is 6-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 12 home outings, surrendering just three home runs in 84.2 frames.  In two career games versus the Angels, Milone has registered a 2-0 record and 2.25 ERA.  He ranks third in the AL in fewest walks per nine innings and seventh in strikeout to walk ratio.

Sports bettors will likely back the Athletics due to their 9-3 mark in Milone’s last 12 home starts, while the Angels are 0-7 in Wilson’s last seven outings versus winning teams.

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