The summer's here and the time is right for...dancing in the streets? Not likely in Anaheim if the Angels continue to have problems hitting with runners in scoring position, erasing potential scoring opportunities with double plays, and Joel Pineiro hasn't rebounded after taking seven starts to get his 100th career win.
After giving the Florida Marlins only their second win in the month of June Tuesday night, the Halos will need Joel Pineiro (3-3, 3.92 ERA) to continue his winning ways against NL opponents. In his last five starts versus NL teams, the right-hander has gone 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA.
The Angels problem hasn't been starting pitching, but rather their lack of timely hitting. Tuesday's game showed how this weakness has set the Angels back in their pursuit of the division leading Texas Rangers as they went 1-15 with runners in scoring position. Although Torii Hunter had four hits in the contest, and the Angels pounded out 13 hits overall, the club failed to score against a Marlins' inconsistent starter.
Making his second start of his career is Brian Sanchez (3-1, 1.93 ERA). The right-handers has made 22 relief appearances this year, with his one start coming against the Dodgers May 28. In that game, Sanchez went just 3 innings, allowing one run on three hits.
Who's Hot - Last 7 Games:
Peter Bourjos - 6 for his last 14 (.429), 2 2B
Maicer Izturis - 7 for his last 18 (.389), 2 2B, 5 R
Torii Hunter - 10 for his last 26 (.385), 2 2B, 4 RBI
Greg Dobbs - 10 for his last 26 (.385), 1 2B, 4 R
Who's Cold - Last 7 Games:
Bobby Abreu - 3 for his last 16 (.188)
Erick Aybar - 5 for his last 24 (.208)
Hanley Ramirez - 2 for his last 19 (.105)
Emilio Bonifacio - 2 for his last 23 (.087)
John Buck - 3 for his last 22 (.136)
Game time is 4:10 (PDT) and will be show in Fox Sports West. For more Angels' news, be sure to check out Halos Heaven.