Angels at Athletics
The Oakland Athletics look to take another step toward securing a postseason berth when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday in the middle contest of a three-game set. Oakland is in a virtual tie with the Cleveland Indians for the American League's final wild-card spot and is one game behind the Tampa Bay Rays, owners of the top wild card.
Matt Chapman hit a three-run homer and Seth Brown hit two run-scoring triples as the Athletics registered a 7-5 win in Tuesday's series opener. Oakland has won the past four meetings with the Angels, outscoring them 30-10 while improving its season series edge to 10-5. Albert Pujols hit his 654th career homer for Los Angeles to move within six of legendary Willie Mays for fifth place on the all-time list. Mike Trout also went deep to increase his AL-leading count to 44, which ties for the major league lead with Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Patrick Sandoval (0-1, 5.24 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Tanner Roark (8-8, 4.04)
Sandoval is making his fifth major league start and sixth overall appearance. The 22-year-old struck out a season best nine and gave up one hit in five scoreless inning against the Texas Rangers in a no-decision his last time out. Sandoval has struck out 27 in 22 1/3 innings but has yet to pitch more than five innings.
Roark received a no-decision against the Kansas City Royals in his last outing as he gave up four runs and five hits over six innings. The 32-year-old is 2-1 with a 3.30 ERA in five starts since Oakland acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds. Roark gave up one run and four hits over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Angels on June 26 while with the Reds and stands 0-1 with a 1.89 ERA in three career starts against Los Angeles.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Angels have lost six straight road games and 14 of their past 17.
2. Oakland CF Ramon Laureano (leg) took live batting practice Tuesday and is expected to return this weekend.
3. Los Angeles INF David Fletcher had two hits Tuesday for his 10 multi-hit effort in his past 21 appearances.