The Los Angeles Angels (48-53) and Oakland Athletics (60-43) will continue a four-game American League West series Saturday afternoon, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics 

Los Angeles had its two-game winning streak snapped Friday night, as it suffered a 6-4 defeat to Oakland as +149 road underdogs, while going OVER the betting total for the third time in four contests.  The Angels are 20-33 in 53 games when the bottom third of their starting rotation takes the hill, which is a cause for concern in the clubhouse.  “You need five guys,” commented Angels manager Mike Scioscia.  Los Angeles is 17-8 in its last 25 road games versus a left-handed starter, while the OVER is 3-0-1 in its last four opportunities in that situation.

Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (2-4, 4.66 ERA) returns to the starting rotation in replacement of Joe Blanton, as he’s allowed opponents to hit .262 against him this season.  The right-hander is 1-2 with a 5.61 ERA in 17 road games (two starts), issuing eight walks and striking out 25 batters in 33.2 combined innings.  In five career appearances (one start) versus the Athletics, Richards has compiled a 0-1 record and 6.10 ERA.

Oakland has alternated wins and losses over its last five games, with the OVER going 3-2 in that span.  The Athletics 3-4-5 hitters went a combined 1-for-11 at the plate, but the offense still managed to collect 10 hits.  The club is 14-16 versus the AL West since May 10 and 28-9 against every other division.  Oakland is 41-13 in its last 54 games as a favorite, with the UNDER going 7-3 in its last 10 contests in that situation.

Athletics starting pitcher Tommy Milone (8-8, 4.18 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 4-3 road victory over the Houston Astros last time out, as he allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits over six frames.  The left-hander is 4-3 with a 3.20 ERA in eight home games, surrendering 10 home runs in 50.2 combined innings.  In five games against the Angels, Milone has compiled a 3-2 record and 5.33 ERA, including a 5-4 home defeat on May 1.

Sports bettors will likely back the Angels due to the Athletics being 1-6 in their last seven Saturday games.

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