Angles Getting the Better of the A’s in AL West
The battle out west continues between the Oakland A’s and the Los Angeles Angels. Currently the Angels are getting the better of the A’s having stretched their lead to 3 games in the American League West over the A’s.
On Friday night Jered Weaver outdueled Jon Lester. The two pitchers both started in the big leagues in 2006, both have a no-hitter and both had been an All-Star three times.
However, there is one big difference between them: Lester has won the World Series twice and Weaver has never won it.
Friday’s matchup was the first between the two veterans and Weaver got the win 4-0.
Fans in Oakland are starting to worry their A’s are stumbling down the stretch. Through August 9, Oakland had the best record in the majors at 72-44. Since then, Oakland has gone 6-12. On August 9, Oakland was leading the AL West by 4 games and today they trail by 3 game
Weaver told reporters after the game that he hoped to win at least one World Series during his career. The right-hander is now 8-1 in his past 14 starts.
He said the World Series was the only thing he plays for. He only is interested in winning and taking home a World Series title.
On Friday, Los Angeles won with its pitching and its power just a night after pulling out a win in 10 innings 4-3.
Albert Pujols and Chris Iannetta hit home runs Friday for the Angels.
Weaver is now 15-7 on the season and gave up just three innings through seven innings. Lester is now 13-9 on the season and allowed just 2 earned runs over six innings.
Over this past three starts Lester is 0-2 after a run of 7-0 with an ERA of 1.46 over 11 previous starts for both Oakland and Boston.
Jed Lowrie the Oakland shortstop has not played since breaking an index finger August 13. He will start a rehab assignment for two games with Sacramento the A’s Triple-A affiliate on Saturday. If he does well he will be recalled from the DL Monday.
Garrett Richards the ace for the Angels who was lost for the season with a knee injury, returned to the Angels clubhouse for the team photo on crutches. He tore his patellar tendon August 20 and will have up to 9 months of rehab.
On Saturday, the A’s will send Jeff Samardzija to the mound. The right-hander is 4-3 with an ERA of 3.86 since joining Oakland.
The Angels will send Cory Rasmus to the mound on Saturday. This will be his first start in the Majors after making 43 appearances in relief.
Last Monday, the Angels tried Wade LeBlanc in Richard’s spot in the rotation but he was defeated 7-1 and designated for assignment following the game. Now Rasmus gets an opportunity.
