Although they're quite not there yet, it's been almost a month since the Angels have been over .500. With a win over the visiting Washington Nationals (40-39) tonight in Anaheim, the Halos will move a game over the .500 mark for the first time since June 3rd. A win tonight will also guarantee the Angels (40-40) their fifth straight series win, their longest streak of the season and their longest since May of last season.
The Angels were 8 and 4 over their recent 12 game road trip, and have won 7 of their last ten, however the club hasn't fared as well at home. Their record in Anaheim so far this season is 16-20, compared to a 24-20 mark on the road. Fortunately the Halos have opened their current home stand against the national league Nationals and Dodgers, as the Angels are 9-4 in inter-league play this season.
Joel Pineiro (3-3, 4.09 ERA), making his 12th start of the season, looks to improve upon his recent string of 4-run starts. The right-hander has given up exactly 4 earned run in six of his last seven starts, while going 1-3 with a 5.44 ERA. In his last start Wednesday in Florida, Pineiro gave up 4 runs and eight hits over six innings.
Pineiro is 1-3 with a 2.70 ERA in five career starts against Washington.
Taking the mound for the visiting Nationals is Jason Marquis (7-2, 3.53 ERA). The right-hander is 4-1 over his last nine starts, while the Nats have gone 8-1 with five straight wins over the same period. In his last start, Marquis received a no-decision when he pitched 8 scoreless innings against the Mariners, allowing 3 hits while striking out 4 and walking three.
Who's Hot - Last 7 Games:
Peter Bourjos - 7 for his last 18 (.389)
Maicer Izturis - 6 for his last 20 (.300), 1 2B, 1 HR
Erick Aybar - 8 for his last 23 (.348), 2 2B, 1 HR
Mark Trumbo - 6 for his last 20 (.300), 3 R, 1 2B, 1 HR
Jerry Hairston, Jr. - 7 for his last 17 (.412)
Who's Cold - Last 7 Games:
Vernon Wells - 5 for his last 23 (.217)
Ian Desmond - 3 for his last 23 (.130)
Wilson Ramos - 2 for his last 19 (.105)
Jayson Werth - 4 for his last 27 (.148)
Ryan Zimmerman - 4 for his last 30 (.133)
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.