Orioles-Angels Preview
(AP) -- The Los Angeles Angels envisioned upgrading their offense with three trades prior to the deadline, not an adjustment period that has led to an extended slump.
In the meantime, the Baltimore Orioles have made headway in a tight wild-card race.
Los Angeles looks to provide enough support for Andrew Heaney on Friday night as the rookie tries to help prevent the visiting Orioles from winning for the 10th time in 13 tries.
The Angels (57-50) acquired Shane Victorino, David Murphy and David DeJesus last week, but Los Angeles is batting .188 while dropping seven of nine. Victorino (2 for 11), Murphy (4 for 23) and DeJesus (1 for 18) have contributed to the struggles.
Los Angeles was 0-44 when trailing after eight innings until pinch-runner Taylor Featherston streaked home on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth of Wednesday's 4-3 win over Cleveland.
C.J. Cron's two-run, two-out single tied it one batter earlier.
"It's been a process," said Kole Calhoun, who homered. "We're right in the middle of a race right now. As soon as we can get jelled together and kind of start playing as a team, the sooner the better. But it's a good group of guys. It's all veteran guys who came in here. They've been around here before, know what it takes to be winning players. I don't think we're far off."
Gerardo Parra has hit safely in four of five games since being acquired from Milwaukee prior to the deadline, but Baltimore (55-52) has mainly relied on Chris Davis during its surge.
Davis hit a grand slam in a win over Tampa Bay on July 25 that began the 9-3 run, then hit another in the top of the 10th in Wednesday's 7-3 victory over Oakland. He's hit nine of his 28 homers with an OPS of 1.251 over his last 15.
"When he's hot he carries the team," closer Zach Britton said. "Some guys get hot, but to get hot and carry the team is two different things. CD's doing that."
The Angels lead the wild-card race, but Baltimore has pulled to within two games. Heaney (5-1, 1.97 ERA) was still in the minors when they took two of three from the Orioles from May 15-17.
Los Angeles won Heaney's first six starts after he was called up June 24 before he gave up two runs in 5 1-3 innings of Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It marked the first time the left-hander failed to get through the sixth.
Kevin Gausman (2-2, 3.97) was on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis during the first series with the Angels. The right-hander has made three starts since voluntarily going to Triple-A for regular work before and during the All-Star break.
Gausman pitched very well in his last two, allowing two runs while striking out 11 and walking one over 14 2-3 innings.
"He's got a pretty fresh arm going right now," manager Buck Showalter said.
Gausman has a 6.46 ERA in three starts and five relief appearances on the road. He beat the Angels 4-3 at home in his only career matchup July 30, 2014.
