The Angels travel to Detroit to play a 4-game series against the AL Central leading Tigers after taking 2 of 3 and winning their 11th of 12 series in Cleveland. Wednesday afternoon's win featured Ervin Santana's no-hitter, the third no-hitter thrown this season - Francisco Liriano and Justin Verlander tossed no-hitters May 3rd and May 7th.
Just as importantly, the yesterday's win moved the Angels to within two games of the AL West division leading Texas Rangers who lost to the Minnesota Twins 7-2. During the month of July, the Halos have compiled a 15-8 record, while the Rangers have gone 16-7, keeping the battle for the division crown a two-team race.
Looking to follow-up Santana's gem is Joel Pineiro (5-5, 4.61 ERA). Pineiro has been inconsistent this season stringing together good games followed by poor outings. Prior to this last two starts that saw him give up 8 runs in the first inning against Oakland and 3 run on 11 hits in 5.1 innings against the Orioles, Pineiro had put together back-to-back wins while allowing just 4 runs. One of those wins came against the Tigers in Anaheim on July 4th, when the right-hander gave up one run on 5 hits over 7 innings.
Since their dramatic, come from behind victory over the Rangers on July 20th, the Halo pitchers have been dominant putting up a 1.61 ERA and winning 5 of seven.
Brad Penny (7-7, 4.51 ERA) will get the call for the Tigers in Thursday afternoon's game. The veteran right-hander lost his last time out when he allowed 4 runs over 7 innings to the Minnesota Twins on July 23rd. Penny had won his previous two starts although he gave up a combined 7 runs over 13 innings in those games.
Who's Hot - Last 14 Days:
Alberto Callaspo - 16 for his last 44 (.364), 4 2B
Howie Kendrick - 11 for his last 36 (.306), 3 2B
Jhonny Peralta - 16 for his last 43 (.372), 3 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI
Victor Martinez - 15 for his last 46 (.326)
Miguel Cabrera - 15 for his last 45 (.333), 3 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI
Who's Cold - Last 14 Days:
Bobby Abreu - 7 for his last 40 (.175)
Torii Hunter - 6 for his last 47 (.128), 2 HR, 16 K
Jeff Mathis - 2 for his last 21 (.095)
Mike Trout - 6 for his last 33 (.182), 2 2B, 1 HR 6 RBI
Mark Trumbo - 8 for his last 43 (.186), 3 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI
Brennan Boesch - 9 for his last 46 (.196)
Game time is 10:05am (PDT) and will be show on Fox Sports West. For more Angels' news, be sure to check out Halos Heaven.