The Los Angeles Angels look to overcome their woes in Oakland on Monday night as they open a three-game series against the Athletics. The Halos have lost five of six games at Overstock.com Coliseum this year, and have lost 11 of their last 15 contests in Oakland dating back to 2010. Joel Pineiro gets the start for the Angels, facing Gio Gonzalez for Oakland.
Pineiro made the worst start of his career in Oakland on July 17, allowing eight runs while recording just one out. That was the start of a three-week funk for Pineiro, which led to his ousting from the starting rotation. Necessity has forced Pineiro back to a starting role, and he has pitched at least six innings in each of his last three outings, with a 3.79 ERA in 19 innings. Since the All-Star break, Pineiro has 11 walks and 10 strikeouts in 40 innings.
The Angels are on their final road trip of the regular season, one that will take them to Oakland, Baltimore, and Toronto. The Halos begin play on Monday two and a half games behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West with 16 games left to play. The Rangers are off Monday, but begin a three-game home series against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday.
Erick Aybar had four hits on Sunday and has reached base in 24 consecutive games via hit or walk, dating back to August 15. During that span, the Angels' shortstop is hitting .341/.396/.459 with four doubles and three triples.
The Angels are 24-24 against the American League West this season.
Monday's 7:05 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and information on the Angels, be sure to read Halos Heaven.