The Oakland Athletics (4-18) will be trying to pick up their first series win of the season when they face the Los Angeles Angels (11-11) in the second game of their four-game series on Tuesday night.
Ken Waldichuk, 0-2, 7.65 ERA, will get the start for the Athletics. The Angels will counter with Jose Suarez, 0-1, 9.26 ERA.
Los Angeles is 6-4 in its last 10 games against Oakland.
**This preview was written before Monday’s game was played**
The Athletics have struggled so far this season and they’ve lost three of their last five games. They will try to turn things around with a win over the Angels, which will give them their third win in their last six road games.
Oakland is averaging 3.41 runs per game. Their .223 batting average is 27th in the league. Their .301 on base percentage is 25th, while their .348 slugging percentage is 26th.
Esteury Ruiz leads the Angels with a .280 batting average, while Brent Rooker leads the team with four home runs and 11 RBI.
Oakland’s pitching is one of the worst in the league, with the team giving up 8.09 runs per game. Opponents have a .290 batting average against the Athletics, which is 30th in the league. Their 7.97 ERA is also 30th, as is their 1.76 WHIP.
In hi s last start, Waldichuk gave up five hits and no runs in five innings, but the team lost to the Cubs 4-0. They will need a similar effort from him if they want to win this game.