Rays vs Angels Preview: High-Energy Sunday Showdown

The Rays came into Angel Stadium yesterday with momentum behind them, holding a solid 40-26 record. But the Angels grabbed control early. Trout and Adell scored on Mancini's triple in the first inning, then the Angels kept piling on runs. Peraza and O'Hoppe added more in the third. The Rays scratched back with Aranda's hits driving in runs in the fifth and ninth, but it wasn't enough. Tampa lost 3-4. Now they're looking to bounce back today with Casey Legumina on the mound and hungry bats ready to strike.

Look at the Angels right now. They're 28-42, which isn't great, but they just won three straight games! Yesterday's victory was huge for them. Trout, Adell, Peraza, O'Hoppe—they all came through with hits and runs. The Angels scored four runs and held the Rays to three. Today Grayson Rodriguez takes the mound for Los Angeles. Rodriguez is ranked 88th with a 3.53 ERA and has struck out six batters in his recent outings. If he pitches sharp, the Angels could keep this winning streak alive and put more distance between them and the Rays.

Here's what makes this game special. The Rays had success earlier this month too—they beat the Angels 5-2 back on May 31 with Aranda blasting a 409-foot home run. But yesterday belonged to Los Angeles. Today you'll see two teams hungry to keep or start something. The Rays want to bounce back and protect their winning record. The Angels smell blood and want to keep rolling. Legumina versus Rodriguez—two pitchers ready to battle. Watch for Aranda and the Rays' lineup to strike early, and keep your eye on Rodriguez's control. One team leaves Angel Stadium feeling great. The other goes back to the drawing board.