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Division leaders Tigers, Angels square off in Anaheim

Jul 27, 2007 - 1:12 PM Detroit (60-41) at LA Angels (58-42), 10:05 pm EDT

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - Two of the top three hitting teams in the majors will vie for supremacy when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Detroit Tigers in a three-game weekend series.

The Tigers are the best hitting team in the majors - hitting .290 - and a big reason why they lead the American League Central. Likewise, the Angels lead the AL West in large part due their .283 team average, good for third in the majors.

Jered Weaver (6-5, 3.30 ERA), who has not allowed more than three runs in an outing since May 30, has not benefited from the strong hitting. He has not won since June 16. Included in his four-game winless skid - during which Weaver has gone 0-2 despite a 2.08 ERA - was a no-decision in Saturday's 5-2 loss against the Twins. He allowed two runs and five hits over seven frames.

Weaver was roughed up in his only lifetime start against the Tigers, surrendering seven runs - five earned - and seven hits over just 1 2/3 innings in his second start of the season on April 23.

The Tigers will answer with Nate Robertson (6-7, 4.63), who allowed four earned runs and 11 hits in a 5-2 loss against Kansas City on Sunday. It was his worst start since coming off the disabled list on June 26 with a tired arm.

He will need to reverse his fortunes against the Angels, though, if he wants to pick up the win in this contest. The lefthander is 0-3 with an 8.13 ERA in six career starts against the Anaheim.