AL best go head-to-head in Tampa Bay

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Posted by Pete Wells - Cappers Mall on 08.18.2008

The top two teams in the American League will clash in a three-game series at Tropicana Field on Tuesday, when the East-leading Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels, who not only lead the West, but they have the best record in all of baseball.

 
Los Angeles Angels at Tampa Bay Rays – 7:10 PM ET

Ervin Santana (13-5, 3.49) earned a no-decision in a 10-7 loss to Seattle at home, allowing three runs on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking a single batter. Santana is now fourth in the American League in strikeouts, and he has been a horse for the Angels this season, averaging 108 pitches per outing. At 25 years of age, the Angels can afford to work the righthander, and he seems to be able to handle the workload. Santana has faced the Rays once in 2007, giving up five runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings, taking a no-decision in an 8-5 loss in Tampa Bay.

 

James Shields (10-7, 3.75) also earned a no-decision in his last outing, giving up four runs on five hits over five innings as the Rays squeaked out a 7-6 win at Oakland in extra innings. Shields struggled with his control over the course of the game, as he struck out three batters, but walked five along the way. This was the first time since his season debut in Baltimore that Shields has walked more than he has struck out in a start. The 26-year-old righthander has split a pair of meetings with the Angels this year, posting an ERA of 3.18.

 

Ahead of Monday's series opener, the Rays had taken four of six meetings with the Angels, including a three-game sweep at home in which the blanked the Los Angeles offense twice. The Angels also lost their first series to an American League opponent since May, and they always have to be aware of being complacent with their giant lead in the West. This will be a great match-up of two young, quality pitchers who have the ability to give the opposing offense fits.

 

For more props and odds, visit BetOnline.com. BetOnline.com is a top rated online sportsbook providing reliable sports betting to millions of online betting customers. BetOnline.com also offers MLB football betting, live MLB betting lines, props and futures.


     Tags:

james shields | ervin santana

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