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Rockies-Angels Preview

Jun 25, 2010 - 7:58 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Colorado (38-34) at Los Angeles (41-34), 10:05 p.m. EDT

Winning series haven't been too difficult for the Los Angeles Angels in the last month. Gaining ground in the AL West, however, has been a different story.

After winning their seventh series in the last nine, the Angels continue a 12-game homestand Friday, opening a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies.

Los Angeles (41-34) missed out on a sweep of the crosstown rival Dodgers on Thursday, losing 10-6. Despite their current surge, the Angels have gained only one-half game on AL West-leading Texas since May 24 and are 4 1/2 games behind the Rangers.

Bobby Abreu had two hits and two RBIs but also was picked off trying to steal third in the ninth. He is 10 for 24 with six RBIs in his last seven games.

Like the Angels, the Rockies (38-34) are also coming off a slugfest in their finale. They lost 13-11 in 10 innings to the Red Sox on Thursday, failing to complete the sweep. Colorado had won five of six and eight of 11 before the loss.

The game lasted 4 hours, 48 minutes. Starter Jason Hammel's scoreless streak ended at 28 1-3 innings after giving up four runs, and Huston Street took the loss after giving up a two-run homer in the 10th to Dustin Pedroia - his third of the night.

Pitching has been a recent problem for the Rockies, who have given up six or more runs in four of their last five games.

After short outings by both starters, Colorado and Los Angeles each send one of their better pitchers to the mound to open this series.

Jered Weaver (7-3, 3.04 ERA) will try to continue his solid work in interleague play after he gave up two hits and struck out 11 over seven innings of a 12-0 win over the Cubs on Saturday for his third win in four starts overall.

With the victory, the right-hander improved to 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA in three interleague starts this year.

"Weaver is the ace of that staff," former teammate Marlon Byrd told the Angels' official website. "There's a reason he has the numbers he does; there's a reason he's leading that rotation."

This is Weaver's first start at home since May 29, when he gave up one unearned run and three hits in seven innings of a 5-1, 10-inning victory over the Mariners. He is 2-1 with a 1.85 ERA in six starts at Angels Stadium.

The Rockies, meanwhile, will hand the ball to Jeff Francis (2-2, 3.43), who has pitched effectively in his last two starts, leading Colorado to victories in each.

Francis gave up four runs in 6 1-3 innings of an 8-7 win over the Brewers on Saturday. He did not factor in the decision.

The left-hander made his only start against the Angels on June 28, 2006, allowing two runs in 6 2-3 innings of a 6-2 win. He is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in two interleague starts this year.

The Angels won two of three at home against the Rockies last year.