The Los Angeles Angels have had two dramatic comeback wins in their last at-bat in the last three games, and look for a series sweep of the Baltimore Orioles Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The Angels turn to Jerome Williams to start Sunday, completing quite a career comeback. Brian Matusz starts for Baltimore.
The Angels begin play on Sunday five games behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West.
Williams was a top 50 prospect as rated by Baseball America before each of 2001, 2002, and 2003, but his career seemed over. He hadn't pitched in the big leagues since 2007 and hasn't won a game since 2005. After kicking around the minor leagues, Williams played in Taiwan in 2010 and was with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the independent Atlantic League this season before getting signed by the Angels.
Williams was 7-2 with a 3.91 ERA with Triple A Salt Lake before the Angels purchased his contract on Wednesday. He pitched 2/3 of an inning against Texas on Wednesday, his first major league action in over four years. Williams' last MLB start was May 15, 2007 while with the Nationals.
Matusz has had a rough season with Baltimore. After six starts and an 8.77 ERA in June, Matusz was optioned to Triple A Norfolk, where he went 2-3 with a 3.62 ERA. Matusz was recalled last week and started Tuesday in Oakland, allowing six runs in 6 2/3 innings. He has allowed a whopping 10 home runs in 32 1/3 innings with the Orioles this season.
The Angels have won four of five games against the Orioles this season.
Sunday's 12:35 p.m. game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and information on the Angels, be sure to read Halos Heaven.