A's try to find answers for shutout-prone offense

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April 26, 2011

A's (11-12) vs.
LA ANGELS (13-10)

Coverage begins at 6:30 P.M. on Comcast SportsNet California

ANAHEIM (AP) -- The Los Angeles Angels scored early and often in the opener of their series against Oakland, allowing their starting pitcher to work with a nice cushion. Manager Mike Scioscia would surely like to see that continue with rookie right-hander Tyler Chatwood on the hill.

Chatwood goes for his first career home win Tuesday night when the Angels look for their sixth straight victory over the Athletics, and eighth in a row at home versus Oakland.

Los Angeles (13-10), which got swept in a four-game home series for the first time since 2005, losing to Boston over the weekend, broke into the win column on its seven-game homestand Monday with a 5-0 victory over the A's (11-12).

After getting shut out in their previous two games, the Angels broke through and scored all five of their runs in the first four innings. That was more than enough support for ace Jered Weaver, who struck out 10 in a seven-hitter to become the first pitcher since Arizona's Randy Johnson in 2002 to win six of his team's first 23 games.
REWIND: Angels ace Weaver blanks A's

"When we get (runs) early in the game it sets the tone for our starting pitcher," Scioscia said. "I thought our bats were much more focused all game."

Howie Kendrick went 2 for 4 with two RBIs Monday after getting one hit in 14 at-bats in the Red Sox series. His two-run single in the second inning snapped Los Angeles' 24-inning scoreless streak against opposing starting pitchers.

Chatwood (1-1, 3.50 ERA) makes his fourth career start, and third in Anaheim.

The 21-year-old right-hander gave up two runs over six innings of Thursday's 4-2, 11-inning loss to the Red Sox, but walked a career-high five and threw 103 pitches.

REWIND: Red Sox extend run with extra-innings win over Angels

"He was right around the zone and threw some good low bullets," Scioscia told the Angels' official website. "I thought he handled himself very well out there pitching out of trouble for a while."

While Chatwood will face an A's team that has been shut out in three of its last five games, he could be tested right away against leadoff hitter Coco Crisp, who is 9 for 14 with four runs in his last three contests and had his third straight three-hit effort Monday.

Crisp is batting .341 in 24 career games at Anaheim.

A's right-hander Brandon McCarthy (1-1, 2.10), a native of Glendale, Calif., will get the ball Tuesday in his first start in Anaheim since Aug. 28, 2008, while with Texas.

McCarthy pitched his second career complete game Thursday, giving up one run and four hits over eight innings while striking out six, but his teammates had just five hits in a 1-0 loss at Seattle.

REWIND: King Felix blanks A's 1-0

Angels right fielder Torii Hunter is 3 for 5 with a homer off McCarthy, but is hitless in his last nine at-bats overall and 2 for 15 in his last five games.

Teammate Vernon Wells, 2 for 18 during that same stretch, is 1 for 10 versus the A's right-hander.

Oakland left fielder Josh Willingham is questionable for Tuesday's game after leaving the series opener with tightness in his left upper back.

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