The Angels and Dodgers wrap up their season series with a nationally televised Sunday finale in Anaheim on ESPN. Ervin Santana starts for the Angels, facing Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers. These two teams have split the first two in Anaheim, each with strong offense backing a superb pitching performance.
Both the Angels and Dodgers will be sending at least two players to Phoenix for the 2011 MLB All-Star Game. Last night's starting pitchers, Jered Weaver and Clayton Kershaw, both made their respective squads, while Matt Kemp was elected to start in the outfield for the National League. Howie Kendrick was named as a reserve for the American League, making his first All-Star team. Andre Ethier of the Dodgers is among five vying for the final roster spot in the National League.
Santana has been a tough luck pitcher for the Angels this season. He has pitched well, as his 4.08 ERA, 4.28 FIP, and 3.78 xFIP would indicate, but he is saddled with just a 3-8 record. He went winless in five June starts despite posting a 3.48 ERA, thanks in part to the Angels scoring just 11 runs in those five games.
Billingsley hopes to head into the break on a high note after struggling in the early part of June. On the season, he is 7-6 with a 4.22 ERA, and has rebounded in his last two starts, allowing one run in 11 1/3 innings combined. However, it seems a safe bet that Billingsley won't get as much run support as he received in his last start, Monday in Minnesota, when the Dodgers walloped the Twins 15-0.
Tonight's 5:05 p.m. PDT game will be televised by ESPN. For more news and information on tonight's game, or on the two teams, be sure to read the SB Nation blogs Halos Heaven and True Blue LA.