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Angels try to bounce back when they continue 10-game road trip

Sep 17, 2008 - 10:09 AM LA Angels (92-58) at Oakland (70-80) 10:05 p.m. EDT

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim probably thought wrapping up the best record in the American League would be no problem as they embarked on a 10-game road trip.

But, after a miserable start to the trip, Jered Weaver tries to get the Angels back on track Wednesday when they duel the Oakland Athletics.

Anaheim is the only team in the AL with a record above .500 on the road, owning a major league-best 43-29 away mark.

The Angels entered the series on a five-game win streak but suffered an 8-1 drubbing by the Athletics. The loss dropped Anaheim to 2 1/2 games in front of Tampa Bay (89-60) for the best record in the AL after the Rays posted a 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.

Weaver (11-10, 4.25 ERA) hopes for a second straight victory after registering a stellar start in his return to the mound following a freak injury.

Weaver missed his September 5 start after cutting two fingers on his pitching hand while lifting himself off the bench in the visitor's dugout during the Angels' 5-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 2.

The 25-year-old righthander showed no lingering effects from the injury on Thursday, pitching six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out three en route to a 7-4 triumph over the Seattle Mariners.

Rookie Greg Smith (7-15, 4.23), who has five losses in his last seven starts, seeks a rare win when he takes the mound for the Athletics.