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Angels try to get back on track in Atlanta

Jun 13, 2014 - 2:49 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim look to get back on track Friday night when they visit Turner Field for the opener of a three-game interleague series with the Atlanta Braves.

Both teams are currently in second place in their respective divisions, as the Angels trail Oakland by 3 1/2 games in the AL West while Atlanta is one game back of Washington in the NL East.

Los Angeles had its winning streak halted at five games as a result of Wednesday's 7-1 setback to Oakland. Both teams finished with 10 hits, but the Halos went just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine on the base paths.

Still, manager Mike Scioscia sees a lot of positives in his team.

"I know I'm very excited to see how this team keeps improving and evolving through this season," Scioscia said. "I don't think there's anybody in that room that doesn't feel that we're going to contend for a championship, and that's what we want to do.

"You can talk about putting all the ingredients together and coming out here and playing hard and playing with confidence, but winning ballgames is that most important ingredient. That's what really builds the confidence of the club and moves you forward."

Meanwhile, the Braves lost the final two games of their four-game set in Colorado after winning the first two.

Hardly anything went right in Wednesday's 8-2 loss. The first 13 batters were retired by Rockies starter Tyler Matzek, who was making his big league debut. Atlanta's Julio Teheran entered that game as baseball's ERA leader but was tagged for seven earned runs on 10 hits.

It was more of the same in Thursday's 10-3 loss, as the offense managed just four hits for the game while starter Ervin Santana gave up six earned runs in 6 1/3 frames.

Things won't get any easier for Braves starter Aaron Harang when he takes the hill Friday night. In four meetings against the Halos last year, the right- hander was roughed up for 20 earned runs on 35 hits for a 10.38 ERA.

However, Harang has been steady this season, allowing two earned runs or fewer in 10 of his 13 starts. He gave up three runs on four hits over six innings at Arizona on Sunday but took the loss thanks largely to six walks.

Opposing Harang will be C.J. Wilson, who is making his first career start against Atlanta. The southpaw pitched 7 1/3 strong frames against the Chicago White Sox his last time out, as he allowed only one earned run on three hits while fanning six.