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Angels, A's clash at the Coliseum

Jul 15, 2011 - 3:09 PM (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim try to start their second half by winning a fifth straight game this evening when they open a four-game set with the Oakland Athletics at the Coliseum.

The Angels, led by American League All-Star starter Jered Weaver, went into the break as hot as any team in the league, winning 11 of their last 13 games to move within a game and a half of the Texas Rangers in the American League West.

Since June 13, their 19-6 record is best in the majors.

"I'm happy the way we're playing right now. It's like all cylinders are clicking," outfielder Torii Hunter said. "All our young guys are stepping up and swinging the bats well. Our defense is a lot of fun. Pitching staff's been pitching pretty well. Sometimes you just have to ride that bike 'til the wheels fall off."

Dan Haren will toe the rubber tonight, looking for a fifth straight win of his own. After going the distance to beat the Detroit Tigers on July 5, Haren came within an out of another complete game on Sunday against Seattle when he allowed two runs and five hits in 8 2/3 frames to improve to 10-5, while lowering his ERA to 2.61.

Haren lost to the A's the last time he faced them and is 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA in five starts against them for his career.

Oakland, meanwhile, was one of the league's biggest disappointments in the first half, as they stumbled to a 39-53 mark, while firing manager Bob Geren along the way.

The news the team received on Thursday, though, may have been the biggest blow, as left-hander Brett Anderson underwent Tommy John surgery, which will force him to miss the remainder of this season and a good part of next year as well.

Heading to the hill for the A's tonight will be right-hander Brandon McCarthy, who is 1-5 with a 3.66 ERA. McCarthy did not get a decision in his final start before the break against Texas, as he surrendered five runs and nine hits in six innings.

McCarthy lost to the Angels back on April 26 and is 0-2 lifetime against them with a 5.00 ERA in eight games, four of which have been starts.

Oakland is 5-4 against the Angels this season.