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Athletics-Angels Preview

Aug 27, 2009 - 5:58 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Oakland (55-71) at Los Angeles (75-50), 10:25 p.m. EDT

Los Angeles Angels veteran Torii Hunter claims he talked to his teammates in an attempt to end their slump. The Oakland Athletics can certainly use some motivation of their own, particularly against Ervin Santana.

The Angels, who got a big hit from Hunter that helped snap a three-game losing streak, hope Santana can win his fifth straight start and continue his dominance against the Athletics on Thursday night.

Los Angeles (75-50) was in danger of losing four straight entering this four-game series with Oakland (55-71) but got an early two-run homer from Hunter to beat Detroit 4-2 on Wednesday.

The AL West-leading Angels had lost five of six, prompting a clubhouse tantrum from Hunter.

"I was just hoping the guys were upset, because I was upset," said Hunter, batting .412 with 11 RBIs during a 12-game hitting streak.

The last-place Athletics, who are beyond the help of a fiery team meeting, now have to face one of the majors' hottest pitchers.

Santana (7-6, 6.13 ERA) has posted a 3.33 ERA in winning his last four starts. In his last outing, the right-hander allowed three runs in six innings of a 7-3 victory over Toronto on Saturday.

"When he's hitting his spots at 93-94 (mph) with that power breaking ball, that's a terrific combination and that's what you're seeing on a consistent basis," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

Santana has been outstanding against the A's, going 6-0 with a 0.96 ERA in his last eight starts and 10-1 with a 1.36 ERA in 14 career outings. He surrendered one run and three hits in eight innings to beat Oakland 6-2 on July 16.

The Athletics will counter with Trevor Cahill (6-12, 4.86), who has lost his last four decisions since beating Minnesota on July 22. The rookie right-hander has settled down over his last two outings, though, allowing two runs in each contest after posting a 7.71 ERA in losing his previous four starts.

"I don't worry about (my record) too much, it's all good," Cahill said. "My goal is to go out and pitch as many innings as I can."

Cahill pitched seven strong innings in his last start but didn't receive a decision in a 3-2 win over Detroit on Saturday night. He is 0-0 with a 4.66 ERA in two starts against the Angels.

Oakland has been giving its pitchers little support, losing seven of 11 and scoring three runs or fewer in 10 of those contests. The Athletics went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position in a 5-3 loss to Seattle on Wednesday night.

Kurt Suzuki was a bright spot at the plate for Oakland, hitting a two-run homer for his 11th of the season. The third-year catcher has driven in four runs in his last four games.

Jack Cust added a solo shot for Oakland, giving him at least 20 homers for the third consecutive season. He has 79 in three seasons with the A's after hitting five in 169 plate appearances for four teams before San Diego traded him to Oakland for cash in May 2007.

Cust is hitting .375 in eight games this year against the Angels, who lead the season series 6-3.