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Rockies-Angels Preview

Jun 27, 2010 - 6:12 AM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

Colorado (39-35) at Los Angeles (42-35), 3:35 p.m. EDT

The Los Angeles Angels might be trying to avoid overlooking their interleague finale with a key series against the AL West leaders looming. Entering that set with some momentum could be valuable.

The Angels look to conclude their interleague schedule in strong fashion Sunday when they host the Colorado Rockies.

Los Angeles (42-35) is second in the West, 4 1/2 games behind first-place Texas with the rivals slated to open a three-game series at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night.

While that series is important for the Angels and their bid for a fourth straight division title, they don't want to look past the Rockies (39-35) in the finale of this three-game set.

Los Angeles evened the series Saturday as Hideki Matsui connected for a grand slam in the first inning, while Joe Saunders and two relievers made it hold up for a 4-2 win.

Matsui's homer was his 150th in the major leagues and 482nd since he began playing with Tokyo's Yomiuri Giants.

"I don't really pay that much attention to milestones or my career numbers," Matsui said through an interpreter. "I mean, it's nice to reach those numbers. But I don't focus on adding this number and that number."

The Angels turn to Ervin Santana (7-5, 3.91) as he tries to improve upon a strong performance in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander allowed three runs in seven innings after losing his previous two starts with a 9.00 ERA.

"My rhythm was much better than the last two games," Santana told the team's official website.

Despite some recent struggles, Santana has won six of eight outings behind a 3.46 ERA after going 1-3 with a 4.40 ERA in his first seven games of 2010.

He's faced the Rockies once, allowing two runs in seven innings while not getting a decision in a 6-2 home loss on June 28, 2006.

The Rockies will give the ball to Jhoulys Chacin (4-6, 3.56), who is looking to build on his first win in a month.

The 22-year-old right-hander was solid in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Boston, yielding four hits with five walks in 6 2-3 scoreless innings while out-pitching Jon Lester. That performance ended a personal four-start losing streak, during which he posted a 5.32 ERA.

Chacin has a 4.41 ERA on a three-game skid on the road.

Brad Hawpe's status is still uncertain after he missed Saturday's defeat due to bruised ribs. Colorado's right fielder suffered the injury when he crashed into the wall in foul territory while trying to catch a pop fly during Friday's 4-3, 11-inning win.

Hawpe hit .321 with one homer and eight RBIs in his last eight games before getting hurt. A return Sunday could spark the Rockies' offense. Hawpe has a .391 average with two homers while driving in seven runs in seven games at Angel Stadium.

If Hawpe doesn't return to the field, Ryan Spilborghs could replace him in right again after going 1 for 3 with a walk Saturday.