Angels Offense Explodes Against Diamondbacks, Seeking Series Win Wednesday

The Los Angeles Angels’ inconsistent offense woke up in the second of three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, exploding for a 7-0 win to even the series ahead of the rubber match Wednesday.

The Angels had scored three runs in each of the past two games after winning five straight, which appeared to kill its momentum, but the offense got back in the saddle.

Shortstop Zach Neto, center fielder Mike Trout, third baseman Denzer Guzman, catcher Logan O’Hoppe and designated hitter Donovan Walton all put together multi-hit performances; Neto and Trout hit long home runs en route to a 14-hit game.

Angels left-hander Reid Detmers, who has made a name for himself as a strikeout specialist this season, didn’t strike out many batters but tossed seven scoreless innings and allowed just three hits in the contest. Los Angeles’ starting rotation has had its hiccups, but the unit has been strong for the most part.

It would be nice if the Angels continued its offensive onslaught into the series finale to win the series and for its third straight in as many tries. It may be tougher to do that against Diamondbacks lefty Eduardo Rodriguez, who has been outstanding for Arizona this season, but the Angels have been middle of the pack against left-handed pitching this season in terms of OPS (.709).

Rodriguez has anchored Arizona’s starting rotation with a 5-2 record, 2.55 ERA (seventh), 1.23 WHIP and 60 strikeouts to 32 walks while allowing just eight home runs through 14 starts (81.1 innings).

Rodriguez is coming off his worst start of the season, though, as he exited his outing against the Cincinnati Reds after just 2.2 innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits but walked five and struck out three.

Either that trend continues, or he comes back with his best stuff against a Halos team that would prefer the former. Rodriguez will face the following Angels lineup:

1. Neto (SS)

2. Trout (DH)

3. Jo Adell (RF)

4. Oswald Peraza (2B)

5. Vaughn Grissom (1B)

6. Guzman (3B)

7. Jose Siri (CF)

8. Logan Porter (C)

9. Wade Meckler (LF)

The Angels are sending rookie lefty Sam Aldegheri to the mound to duel Rodriguez and he pitched well in his second career start his last time out. Against the Tampa Bay Rays, Aldegheri tossed five innings of two-run ball (one earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out four to pick up his second win in the big leagues.

Aldegheri will face a talented Diamondbacks lineup with the series on the line:

1. Ketel Marte (DH)

2. Geraldo Perdomo (SS)

3. Corbin Carroll (RF)

4. Gabriel Moreno (C)

5. Nolan Arenado (3B)

6. Ildemaro Vargas (2B)

7. Jordan Lawlar (CF)

8. LuJames Groover (1B)

9. Tommy Troy (LF)

First pitch is at 12:40 p.m. PDT on MLB.TV and regional sports networks.