As the Angels head into Tuesday night's game against the Detroit Tigers, things are certainly looking up for a club who just two weeks ago found themselves 4 games behind the Texas Rangers and looking for consistency in their batting order. When the Halos take the field tonight, they do so tied with the Rangers atop the West division, in the midst of a modest 3-game win streak, winning their last 6 series, and compiling an 11-3 record. The Angels will get a chance to see if their mid-season turn-around is real as they will face one of the best pitchers in baseball.
The Angels will face the Tigers' ace Justin Verlander (11-3, 2.32 ERA) in the second game of their 3-game series. Verlander, looking for his 10th straight win, leads the American league in strike outs and wins (tied with C.C. Sabathia). During his win-streak, the right-hander has compiled a 1.54 ERA while allowing just 50 hits in over 87 innings. In his 9 career outings against the Angels, Verlander is 3-3 with a 4.53 ERA.
Looking to continue Los Angeles' hot streak will be Dan Haren (8-5, 2.85 ERA). The right-hander can add another series to the Halos' streak if he can match his terrific outing last Wednesday against the Nationals. Haren held Washington scoreless over 7.1 innings, giving up just two hits in the Angels 1-0 win.
Who's Hot - Last 7 Games:
Peter Bourjos - 6 for his last 20 (.300), 3 R, 3 SB
Howie Kendrick - 8 for his last 21 (.381)
Vernon Wells - 7 for his last 23 (.304), 2 2B, 3 HR
Brennan Boesch - 10 for his last 26 (.385), 3 2B, 2 HR
Magglio Ordonez - 6 for his last 20 (.300)
Jhonny Peralta - 8 for his last 23 (.348), 1 2B, 2 HR
Who's Cold - Last 7 Games:
Erick Aybar - 5 for his last 27 (.185)
Torii Hunter - 2 for his last 11 (.182)
Maicer Izturis - 1 for his last 12 (.083)
Brandon Inge - 2 for his last 21 (.095)
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.