Anaheim picks up where it left off

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06/08/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim kicked off the month of June by winning five of their first six games. The Angels began the winning streak by taking three out of four games from the Baltimore Orioles, with their lone loss of that set coming on May 31.

Anaheim followed up the series win by taking two out of three games from the Minnesota Twins. The back-to-back series victories propelled the Angels to a 38-23 record, giving them a 5 1/2-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the American League West standings.

At this point in the season Anaheim is a force to be reckon with at home. Anaheim is 24-9 at Angels Stadium and has not lost a home series since dropping two out of three games to the Chicago White Sox between May 4-6. Anaheim has also been consistent on the road thus far, posting a 14-14 road ledger.

Anaheim recently finished off a seven-game homestand with a series win over the Twins. The Angels dominated the series, outscoring Minnesota 26-12 over the three game set. Monday night's 16-3 win set the tone for the series, as the Angels collected a season high 23 hits in the victory.

Five Angels collected three or more hits on the night, led by Gary Matthews Jr., who went 4-for-5 with five RBI and a run scored. Orlando Cabrera also had a big night, going 4-for-5 with two RBI and four runs scored. Starter Jered Weaver captured his fourth win in five starts, holding the Twins to just one run on five hits through seven innings.

Tuesday night brought more of the same for Anaheim, as it fought its way to a 5-1 victory. Right-hander Kelvim Escobar won his fifth straight start, throwing a three-hit complete game victory. The Angels put together another big night at the plate, collecting 10 hits in the win. Cabrera led the way again, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Angels could not make it three in a row on Wednesday, as starter John Lackey was touched for six runs, four earned, over seven innings. The loss prevented Lackey from becoming the first pitcher in the majors to reach 10 wins this season.

LACKEY CONTINUES TO SHINE

Lackey has always been a consistent pitcher throughout his six-year Major League career. Over the years the right-hander has become known for his slow starts and strong second-half finishes. However, all that has changed this season, as Lackey has gotten off to a tremendous start.

The Angels ace is 9-4 with a 2.60 ERA in 13 starts this season. Although he has been effective before the All-Star break in previous seasons, the right- hander is just 37-30 lifetime in games pitched prior to the All-Star game. However, Lackey has been outstanding in the second-half, posting an impressive 32-23 ledger following the All-Star break.

A few more wins and Lackey is all but guaranteed a spot on the American League roster in this year's All-Star game. The trip would be the first for the right-hander, who is looking forward to the opportunity.

"If it happens, it'd be great," Lackey said. "It's definitely something I'd like to do in my career, although my focus is on making the playoffs.

Lackey's emergence into the Angels starring role began five years ago as a rookie. Lackey started perhaps the biggest game in franchise history when he took the mound for game seven of the 2002 World Series. His performance that night laid the foundation for things to come. However, it has been Lackey's work ethic and ability to adjust over the years that has separated him from the rest.

"You've got to keep adding to your game -- especially in our division with only four teams," he said. "For example, I started throwing the two-seamer away from righties. The more options you can put in your game, the more they have to think about. I haven't invented any new pitches, but I'll use the variety I have at any time."

BOOTCHECK ADDING QAULITY TO ANGELS BULLPEN

Right-hander Chris Bootcheck is a perfect example of how everything seems to be going right for the Angels this season. The 28-year-old reliever has become a solid option for Anaheim out of the bullpen. Although he has spent most of his professional career circulating through the minors, Bootcheck may have finally found a permanent home in Anaheim.

The right-hander has put together quite a stat line so far this season, posting a 1-0 record with a 3.80 ERA in 14 appearances. However, it is not Bootcheck's numbers that mean so much to the Angels, but yet the role he will play in the latter parts of the season. Bootcheck has proven to be a valuable asset as a multiple-inning reliever, pitching two or more innings seven times this season.

With Anaheim holding a 5 1/2-game lead in the AL West, it must begin to slowly prepare itself for possible postseason play. As history has shown, the team with the most reliable pitching staff is usually to team left standing in the end. The Angels already have an outstanding starting rotation and perhaps the AL's best closer in Francisco Rodriguez. Bootcheck may be the final piece to the World Series puzzle.

Manager Mike Scioscia has acknowledged Bootcheck's role and knows just how important the reliever will be as the season wears on.

"Right now, the role Boot has doesn't get as much credit as other roles on the staff," Scioscia said. "But it's certainly important to us. He's pitching himself into a better role, doing a terrific job.

"It's tough to sit six, seven days and come in. But his command and control enable him to do that. He's pitching far beyond, throwing very consistently. We certainly see an expanded role for him going forward."

INJURY NEWS

Outfielder Garret Anderson has finally returned to the Angels lineup after missing more than a month of action with a hip injury. Anderson was activated for Sunday's game against Baltimore, making his first start since April 27th.

Anderson's activation forced the club to option pitcher Joe Saunders to the minors.

WHO'S HOT

Outfielder Vladimir Guerrero continues to crush the baseball, batting .348 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI on the season. Guerrero has gone 15-for-37 at the plate over his last 10 games, knocking in 11 runs in the process.

Escobar has been exceptional this season, posting a 7-3 record in 11 starts. The right-hander has won six of his last eight starts, striking out 37 batters in the process.

WHO'S NOT

Second baseman Erick Aybar has struggled at the plate over the past two weeks, going just 5-for-27 in his last 10 games. Aybar is the only soft spot in the Angels line-up at this point, hitting just .246 on the year.

Reliever Darren Oliver has struggled as of late, surrendering three runs on four hits over his last three innings. The southpaw's recent setback has vaulted his ERA to 7.31 on the year.

ON DECK

The Angels will go on the road this weekend for a three game set against the St. Louis Cardinals. Bartolo Colon (5-2, 5.44) will face off against Kip Wells (2-10, 6.40) in Friday night's opener. Ervin Santana (4-6, 5.32) and Braden Looper (6-4, 3.72) will take the mound on Saturday, before Weaver (5-3, 3.88) and Todd Wellemeyer (1-1, 7.26) close out the Sunday's series finale.