A’s Get First Test Against Josh Hamilton And The Angels: Game Preview
April 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jarrod Parker (11) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
After bringing in big hitter Josh Hamilton to complement a vaunted lineup that includes three-time MVP Albert Pujols, reigning American League Rookie of the Year Mike Trout and young slugger Mark Trumbo, the Los Angeles Angels (2-4) will get their first chance to prove their mettle against the defending AL West champions when they face the Oakland Athletics (5-2) tonight in their home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PST.
Jarrod Parker will take the hill for his second start of the season, and he’ll look to rebound from his miserable first appearance, where he gave up four runs in five innings against the Seattle Mariners and lacked the control that led to so much success in 2012. However, that’s easier said than done against a team that many predicted to win the division after the addition of Hamilton this offseason.
The Angels have the jam-packed lineup, but it’s been the A’s showing some serious pop at the plate, as they lead the AL in home runs (12) and are second in runs scored (38). Also, Parker should be fresh and ready to go after six days of rest.
C.J. Wilson will pitch for the Angels and try to slow down an Oakland offense that has propelled the Athletics to a five-game win streak. The left-hander gave up four runs, three earned, on five hits in five innings against the Cincinnati Reds on April 3, striking out four and walking four in a 5-4 loss.
He’ll have his work cut out for him right off the bat, as he faces the A’s three hottest hitters in Coco Crisp, Chris Young and Jed Lowrie at the top of the order. Lowrie is batting .500 through seven games with three home runs and four doubles, and Crisp is not far off with three homers of his own and five doubles with a .333 average. Young has homered twice this season and will get his first start of the season in right field as Josh Reddick recovers from a sprained right wrist.
The Angels are dealing with some injury woes of their own after X-rays revealed a fracture in the elbow of staff ace Jered Weaver. Weaver suffered the injury against the Texas Rangers last week when his elbow hit the ground as he was trying to avoid a line drive up the middle from Mitch Moreland. Consequently, the series against Oakland could be that much more meaningful as the A’s will attempt to gain some early wins and distance themselves from Los Angeles in the standings while they’re without one of the best pitchers in the game.
Join us after the game as we’ll have all the details on this early divisional matchup.
LINEUPS
Oakland Athletics
1. C. Crisp CF
2. C. Young RF
3. J. Lowrie SS
4. Y. Cespedes LF
5. D. Norris C
6. J. Donaldson 3B
7. B. Moss 1B
8. N. Freiman DH
9. S. Sizemore 2B
Los Angeles Angels
1. M. Trout LF
2. E. Aybar SS
3. A. Pujols 1B
4. J. Hamilton RF
5. M. Trumbo DH
6. H. Kendrick 2B
7. A. Callaspo 3B
8. C. Iannetta C
9. P. Bourjos CF