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Angels hope to continue road success vs. Orioles

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:06 AM Los Angeles (62-39) at Baltimore (48-52) 7:05 p.m. EDT

BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim own the largest division lead in the majors and their advantage seems to growing by the game.

The Angels look to continue their strong play on the road when they visit the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

Anaheim, which owns a 10-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West, has won consecutive games and seven of eight. While this contest opens a 10-game road trip, the Angels aren't worried about losing their lead as the team is a major league-best 31-18 away from home.

Anaheim is poised to continue that trend when it sends Joe Saunders (12-5, 3.05 ERA) to the mound.

Saunders, who has allowed two runs or less in 13 of his 19 starts, is 3-0 lifetime against the Orioles and allowed four runs and 12 hits in five innings during a 6-5 victory over Baltimore on May 4.

Brian Burres (7-6, 5.02) tries to help the Orioles end their three-game losing streak.

Burres, who went 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in his only two career starts against Anaheim last year, is looking to bounce back from a tough outing. The 27-year-old lefthander had a three-game win streak snapped when he allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking four while striking out five during Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers.