Series Preview: Indians vs. Angels

The Tribe takes two out of three from the A’s who were largely able to limit the Indians offense to just nine runs through the series. Luckily the Tribe’s pitching staff were able to hold the A’s to seven. These guys continue to find ways to get it done. Now the Indians will look to carry that success to Anaheim against the Angels.

May 6-8, 2011

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Scouting Report

• Cleveland – After having their seven game streak snapped the Indians rebounded nicely to secure a 4-3 win over the Athletics to secure yet another series win. A solid Oakland pitching staff largely limited the Indians offense but they were still able to take two of three in Oakland for the first time since 2002. The Indians are off to their hottest start since 1995 and we all know how that ended.

• Anaheim – The Angels have struggled at home, posting just a 6-7 mark in their own ballpark but they were able to take two of three from the Indians earlier this season. In fact, the Indians lone victory came against rookie Tyler Chatwood who was making his major league debut. He gave up four runs on four hits in five innings. The Tribe will see him again in the opening game of the series. The Angels struggles at home can largely be blamed on their offense, which is just batting .212 at home as opposed to .300 on the road. They’ve also labored to hit the long ball at home, hitting just four homers at home compared to 25 on the road.

Pitching Match-up(s)

Game 1 – Justin Masterson vs. Tyler Chatwood

• Justin Masterson  5-0, 2.25 ERA

Based on the way Justin Masterson has fared against the Los Angeles Angels in his career, the Cleveland right-hander has a good chance to become the majors’ second six-game winner.Masterson looks to continue his success overall and against the Angels on Friday night when the Indians open their second series in Anaheim this season.Masterson (5-0, 2.25 ERA) tried to become the first Indians pitcher since Cliff Lee in 2008 to win his first six starts, but did not receive a decision in a 5-4 win over Detroit on Sunday despite allowing two earned runs in seven innings.

• Tyler Chatwood  2-1, 4.94 ERA

Abreu is 5 for 12 with a double against Masterson.Rookie Tyler Chatwood  takes the ball for the Angels trying to bounce back after he allowed five runs and nine hits in four innings of a 6-5 win at Tampa Bay on Sunday.The right-hander gave up four runs and homers to Cabrera and Matt LaPorta in five innings of a 4-0 loss to Cleveland in his major league debut April 11.

Game 2 – Alex White vs. Jered Weaver

• Alex White  0-0, 3.00 ERA

In his Major League debut on Saturday, White held the Tigers to two runs six hits (including two home runs) over six innings. The 22-year-old right-hander ended with four strikeouts and four walks in the 109-pitch effort.

• Jered Weaver  6-1, 1.39 ERA

Weaver was touched for a season-high three earned runs by Boston after yielding just one in his previous 18 innings. The Red Sox had his pitch count in triple digits by the fifth inning, but he had no physical issues related to a stomach ailment.

Game 3 – Fausto Carmona vs. Dan Haren

• Fausto Carmona  3-3, 4.43 ERA

Carmona has given up just three runs over 15 innings in his last two starts for the Tribe. On Tuesday, the righty picked up a win on the road against the A’s after allowing one run on five hits with five strikeouts over eight innings.

• Dan Haren  4-2, 1.76 ERA

The Angels’ co-ace has fallen on hard-luck times. Haren is pitching as well as anybody, but he has had little or no run support in his last three starts. His stuff is alive, and his control is precise. His cutter remains his most reliable pitch.

Projected Lineups

Cleveland

1. CF Grady Sizemore

2. SS Asdrubal Cabrera

3. RF Shin-Soo Choo

4.    C Carlos Santana

5. DH Travis Hafner/ Shelly Duncan

6. 2B Orlando Cabrera

7. LF Michael Brantley

8. 1B Matt LaPorta

9. 3B Jack Hannahan

Anaheim

1. SS Maicer Izturis

2. 2B Howie Kendrick

3. DH / RF Bobby Abreu

4. RF/ DH Torii Hunter

5. LF Vernon Wells

6. 3B  Alberto Callaspo

7. 1B Mark Trumbo

8. C   Bo Wilson

9 CF Peter Bourjos