The Angels hope to end their current 5-game losing streak when they face interleague rival Atlanta Braves (25-21) in Anaheim Friday night as they start a 7-game home stand. Coming off of their worst road trip of the season, the Angels (22-23) have dropped 8 of 10, while scoring just one run in their last 3 games. Before heading out on their last trip, the Halos were 1.5 games up in the AL West, but now find themselves trailing both the Rangers and Oakland.
Making his 10th start of the season for the Angels will be inconsistent right-hander Ervin Santana (1-4, 4.85 ERA). In his last start, Santana allowed 4 runs on 8 hits over 7 innings, striking out 3 and walking one. In that game, Santana gave up home runs to the Rangers' Adrian Beltre and Chris Davis and has allowed 8 homers on the season.
Tim Hudson (4-3, 303 ERA) makes the start for the Braves. The right-hander has also been inconsistent this season. Back on May 4th, Hudson pitched a 1-hit shutout against Milwaukee, but then followed that up with a loss to the Nationals that saw him give up 7 runs (3 earned). In his last start, Hudson went 7 innings against the Phillies, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs, but did not figure in the decision.
Atlanta opens interdivision play in third place in the NL East, 2.5 games behind division leading Philadelphia. The Braves are 5-5 over their last 10 games.
Who's Hot - Last 7 Games:
Howie Kendrick - 8 for his last 24 (.333), 1 2B, 1 HR
Eric Hinski - 7 for his last 18 (.389)
Freddie Freeman - 7 for his last 22 (.318)
Who's Cold - Last 7 Games:
Eric Aybar - 5 for his last 28 (.179)
Peter Bourjos - 0 for his last 20 (.000), 9 K
Torii Hunter - 1 for his last 24 (.042)
Mark Trumbo - 4 for his last 23 (.174), 9 K
Jason Heyward- 2 for his last 13 (.154)
Brian McCann- 3 for his last 22 (.136)
Nate McLouth - 3 for his last 22 (.136)
Dan Uggla - 3 for his last 25 (.120)
Game time is 7:05 (PDT) and will be show in Fox Sports West. For more Angels' news, be sure to check out Halos Heaven.