BASEBALL: Athletics' Zack Gelof, Nick Kurtz look to create more runs vs. Angels

The Los Angeles Angels and Athletics will open a four-game series on Thursday night in West Sacramento, California, renewing an American League West rivalry after a recent competitive stretch between the clubs.

The Athletics took three of four meetings in Anaheim from May 18–21, outscoring the Angels 23 runs in their three wins. During that series, Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz delivered a season-high five RBIs in one of the victories, while the club also secured two extra-inning wins over Los Angeles.

The Angels, however, earned a dramatic 2-1 win in the opener on May 18. Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn carried a no-hit bid into the ninth inning before Adam Frazier broke it up with a single. Zach Neto then delivered a walk-off, two-run home run to seal the comeback victory.

Los Angeles will be without star outfielder Mike Trout, who was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain. Trout said he felt a noticeable improvement a day after sustaining the injury while running to first base during Wednesday’s 8-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he remains optimistic about a quick recovery. He has been one of the team’s most productive hitters, leading the Angels with 17 home runs.

The Athletics enter the series coming off a difficult three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates, dropping the final two contests, including a 12-4 loss on Wednesday. Despite the setback, Oakland manager Mark Kotsay emphasized the importance of regrouping quickly against a division opponent, noting that the earlier matchups with the Angels were tightly contested.

One bright spot for Oakland has been Zack Gelof, who extended his career-best hitting streak to 21 games after a ninth-inning home run. He is batting .366 during the stretch with five home runs over his last nine games, providing a steady offensive presence.

On the mound, the Athletics will start left-hander Gage Jump (2-1, 3.09 ERA), who will make his first career appearance against the Angels. The Angels will counter with right-hander Ryan Johnson (0-1, 15.12 ERA), recently called up from Double-A. Johnson has struggled in limited major league action but will make his second start of the season as Los Angeles looks to stabilize its rotation amid injuries and inconsistency. -Field Level Media/Reuters