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Sonnanstine hopes to continue Rays' pitching success

May 11, 2008 - 2:38 PM LA Angels (22-16) at Tampa Bay (20-16) 1:40 pm EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Ticker) -- Andy Sonnanstine will hope to continue the Tampa Bay Rays' recent trend of mowing down the opposition when they host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Sunday in the finale of a three-game set.

The Rays have won three in a row - including a pair of shutouts in their previous two contests. Scott Kazmir and three relievers combined on a three-hit shutout as Tampa Bay posted their second consecutive 2-0 triumph over Los Angeles on Saturday.

"It's almost like they don't even need us to hit," said Carlos Pena, who is batting .208 with eight home runs. He has also struck out an American League-worst 43 times.

Sonnanstine (5-1, 4.63 ERA) will try to extend the club's 22-inning scoreless streak.

The 25-year-old righthander will also attempt to record his fifth straight win in as many starts. He allowed four runs and 10 hits over six innings Tuesday as the Rays held on for a 5-4 triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Sonnanstine will have to outduel one of the major leagues' hottest pitchers in this one.

Ervin Santana (6-0, 2.02) is coming off a four-hit shutout in Monday's 4-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. He also posted season-high nine strikeouts without a walk.

The Angels will hope to avoid a fourth straight loss following a four-game winning streak.