Los Angeles Angels vs. Boston Red Sox: AL Rivals Open Up a Series at Fenway Park

The Los Angeles Angels (62-60) and Boston Red Sox (59-63) will open up a three-game American League series on Tuesday night at Fenway Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 ET

Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox

The Los Angeles Angels will look to get back on track against the Boston Red Sox

Los Angeles has lost 13 of its last 18 games and hit the road after suffering a four-game sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays in Southern California over the weekend. “It’s baseball,” commented Angels rookie outfielder Mike Trout about the team’s current situation. The Angels were outscored by a significant 37-14 margin versus the Rays, as their pitching staff has been hit hard in the month of August. Los Angeles is 16-20 against AL East opponents, with the UNDER going 19-17 in those contests.

Angels starting pitcher Ervin Santana (6-10, 5.59 ERA) has led the club to four consecutive victories, including an 8-4 home victory over the Cleveland Indians, allowing one run and four hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 3-4 with a 6.47 ERA in 12 road outings, surrendering 15 home runs in 65.1 combined frames. In 10 career games versus the Red Sox, Santana has compiled a 2-3 record and 4.27 ERA, including a 1-2 mark and 4.12 ERA in seven efforts at Fenway Park.

Boston has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, which is just another sign of this club’s inconsistent 2012 MLB campaign. The Red Sox have compiled a disappointing 13-19 record since designated hitter David Ortiz hurt his right Achilles tendon, which includes a 4-6 mark on its recent 10-game road trip. Outfielder Carl Crawford will also be missing from the lineup, as he prepares to undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow later in the week. Boston is 7-13 against AL West opponents this year.

Red Sox starting pitcher Aaron Cook (3-6, 4.58 ERA) has fallen in defeat in four of his last five starts, including a 5-3 road setback against the Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 4.96 ERA in six home outings, issuing five walks and striking out three batters in 32.2 combined frames. In three career starts versus the Angels, Cook has tallied a 2-1 record and 2.86 ERA, with opposing hitters batting .188 against him.