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Angels hope for another win from Richards against A's

Apr 15, 2014 - 3:12 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Los Angeles right-hander Garrett Richards tries to continue his amazing start to the season on Tuesday, as he goes after his third straight win in the Angels' middle test of a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium.

After beating Houston in his first start Richards was dominant in a win over Seattle on Wednesday, holding the Mariners to just one hit over seven scoreless innings. He also struck out three and walked three, as he saw his ERA dip to 0.75.

"Just from experience, I think the game has slowed down a little bit for me," Richards said. "It's basically come down to me just executing pitches."

Richards has faced Oakland eight times (4 starts) and is 0-2 with a 5.00 ERA.

Oakland, meanwhile, will counter with righty Dan Straily, who is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA. Straily beat the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, limiting them to a run and three hits over seven innings.

"I definitely didn't have my best stuff, but was able to mix speeds, mix locations and just keep them off-balance and from making good contact," Straily said. "Even when they did make good contact, it was right at our guys.

"I think it's part of learning from last year. On days I didn't have my best stuff and try to pitch like I did, it cost me. Going out there today, I realized pretty soon I didn't have my A-stuff today."

Straily is 1-3 in six starts versus the Angels with a 5.82 ERA.

Oakland won this opener in thrilling fashion on Monday, as a pinch-hitting John Jaso clubbed a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to lift the A's to a 3-2 win.

"(Ernesto Frieri) left a fastball right in the zone and Jaso didn't miss it," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia.

Luke Gregerson earned his second save with a 1-2-3 ninth that was not without a bit of controversy.

With one down, second baseman Nick Punto bobbled a Howie Kendrick grounder and fired to first base. Kendrick was called out on a very close play that was upheld by a video review.

Jim Johnson (1-2), who was removed from the closer's role, earned the win after pitching around a one-out double by Kole Calhoun in the bottom of the eighth.

The Athletics improved to 6-1 on their first road trip of the season.

Jesse Chavez tossed seven innings in the start for Oakland, giving up two runs -- one earned -- on four hits and recording nine strikeouts without any walks.

"I just tried to match the other guy," Chavez said.

Oakland has won 14 of the last 20 meetings at Angel Stadium. Overall, the A's have won the last four season series after going 11-8 against the Halos in 2013.

In celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, players from both teams will all wear No. 42.