LA Angels at TB Rays (May 11, 2008)
2008-05-11 07:39:00
PA SPORTSTICKER AL PREVIEW
(LA ANGELS-TAMPA BAY)
*Sonnanstine hopes to continue Rays' pitching success*
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LA Angels (22-16) at Tampa Bay (20-16) 1:40 pm EDT
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Ticker) -- Andy Sonnanstine will hope to
continue the Tampa Bay Rays' recent trend of mowing down the
opposition when they host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on
Sunday in the finale of a three-game set.
The Rays have won three in a row - including a pair of shutouts
in their previous two contests. Scott Kazmir and three
relievers combined on a three-hit shutout as Tampa Bay posted
their second consecutive 2-0 triumph over Los Angeles on
Saturday.
"It's almost like they don't even need us to hit," said Carlos
Pena, who is batting .208 with eight home runs. He has also
struck out an American League-worst 43 times.
Sonnanstine (5-1, 4.63 ERA) will try to extend the club's
22-inning scoreless streak.
The 25-year-old righthander will also attempt to record his
fifth straight win in as many starts. He allowed four runs and
10 hits over six innings Tuesday as the Rays held on for a 5-4
triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Sonnanstine will have to outduel one of the major leagues'
hottest pitchers in this one.
Ervin Santana (6-0, 2.02) is coming off a four-hit shutout in
Monday's 4-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. He also posted
season-high nine strikeouts without a walk.
The Angels will hope to avoid a fourth straight loss following a
four-game winning streak.
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