Despite a 4-3 loss last night which halted a three game winning streak, the LA Angels are enjoying their thirteenth day in first place this season, a game in front of last year's AL Champion Texas Rangers. Today the Angels go for the series win against the Cleveland Indians, in the rubber match at Angel Stadium. The Angels have won seven of their nine series' so far this year (7-1-1).
Taking the mound for the Halos is Dan Haren, who has a 0.78 era at home, a mark which ranks second in the AL. He has a 1.62 era in his last 11 starts at Angel Stadium dating back to last season. He goes up against Fausto Carmona of the Indians. The Angels will be without Kendrys Morales, who is going to see a specialist in Colorado on Tuesday to re-examine his left ankle.
As it is Mother's Day today, several players will be wearing pink armbands and using pink bats. Manager Mike Scioscia will go after a personal milestone today; an Angel victory will be Scioscia's 1,000th win. Only 55 managers in MLB history have reached this plateau, and just 22 did it with a single team. His 626 win set the Angel's record for most wins by a Halo manager.
Mark Trumbo, despite hitting under .100 when called up last year, leads AL rookies in almost every offensive category, including Home Runs (6), hits (25), and RBI (17). He's on pace to hit 30 home runs in his rookie year; he'd be the first rookie since Tim Salmon to do so.
Howie Kendrick is hot, hitting .412 over the last 12 games. Erick Aybar is hitting .358 over his last 16.