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Angels-Twins Preview

Aug 1, 2009 - 6:03 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Los Angeles (60-40) at Minnesota (52-50), 7:10 p.m. EDT

Although they were active in talks to add a pitcher before the trading deadline, the Los Angeles Angels were unable to complete a move. As long as their offense keeps performing, that might not be an issue.

The Angels look to win their fourth straight Saturday when they continue a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.

Los Angeles (61-40) has the best record in the AL and second-best in the majors behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Angels won their third in a row Friday, rallying for an 11-5 win over the Twins (52-51) in 11 innings.

Los Angeles was swept in a three-game series at the Metrodome in April, getting outscored 23-12. The Angels again trailed early in the latest meeting, but scored twice in the seventh and once in the eighth to tie it before erupting for six runs in the 11th.

It was the major league-leading 34th comeback victory for Los Angeles, which had a season-high 19 hits. Bobby Abreu had three and four RBIs while Mike Napoli had four hits, including a solo homer, in the eighth.

"We've got a lot of guys who can play the game and the way we play the game is aggressive and a lot of first-to-third," second baseman Howie Kendrick said. "It seems like it's been a different guy every game to give us that extra opportunity to win the game."

The Angels, winners of 11 of 13, said Friday they had been active in discussions for Toronto ace Roy Halladay and San Diego closer Heath Bell, although a deal never materialized for either. Despite their strong play of late, they had a need for pitching help with their starters compiling a 5.45 ERA over the last 13 games.

A potent offense, however, has been able to offset most of the pitching staff's problems.

The Angels are hitting .311 in their last 13 games while averaging 7.4 runs. Abreu has been key during the surge, batting .420 with 14 RBIs during that stretch.

Los Angeles will try to extend its winning streak Saturday when it hands the ball to Joe Saunders (8-6, 5.02 ERA), who is 0-2 with a 9.39 ERA in six starts since beating Colorado on June 24. He gave up four runs and a season-high 10 hits in five innings against Cleveland on Monday.

"Joe was plagued by some of the same things (he's been doing)," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He was getting behind in counts a lot."

The left-hander is 2-1 with a 3.54 ERA in three starts against the Twins.

Minnesota remained two games behind AL Central-leading Detroit, but fell a one-half game behind Chicago into third place. The Twins had won four straight during which they allowed only nine runs.

While the Angels failed to make a move before the deadline, the Twins expect to have new acquisition Orlando Cabrera available Saturday after he was unable to arrive in time for Friday's game.

Cabrera hit .373 with eight doubles, two homers and 16 RBIs in 110 at-bats in July for Oakland. He is 8 for 15 (.538) with two doubles against Saunders.

Minnesota sends rookie Anthony Swarzak (3-3, 3.74) to the mound. The right-hander pitched very well for the second straight start on Sunday, limiting the Angels to one run and four hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 10-1 victory.