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Angels look for series win vs. Indians

Aug 17, 2008 - 6:40 AM LA Angels (76-45) at Cleveland (55-67) 1:05 p.m. EDT

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have not dropped a series since they lost two-of-three to their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, June 27-29. They will look to keep that streak going when they take on the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.

Joe Saunders (14-5, 3.07) makes the start for the Angels. The talented lefthander has not lost at home since June 9, spanning five starts He is 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA during those trips to the mound and is 8-3 with a 2.45 ERA at home.

In his second start of the year, Saunders pitched eight strong innings against the Indians, allowing four hits and a run, walking two and striking out five.

The Angels have won the last five starts for Saunders, who leads the team in wins.

Francisco Rodriguez's save on Saturday, his 47th, tied his own franchise mark for a saves in a season that he set in 2006. He is 10 shy of Bobby Thigpen's major league record of 57, set in 1990.

The Indians send 25-year-old Jeremy Sowers (1-6, 5.70) to the mound. He has pitched at least six innings in five consecutive starts, the longest stretch of his career. In those starts, the lefthander has figured in two decisions, going 1-1 with a 4.64 ERA.

He has two wins in the last two seasons, with 27 starts during that span.