BALTIMORE — The Los Angeles Angels broke a six-game losing streak on Friday night. They hit two homers and scored a 7-1 victory over the slumping Baltimore Orioles.
That’s a step in the right direction for a team that’s struggled lately Cheap Jonathan Allen Jersey , and the Angels hope to keep moving forward in the second game of this weekend series on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. ET at Camden Yards.
The Angels have been battered by injuries, and manager Mike Scioscia is hoping they can turn things around.
“It’s been tough,” Scioscia said. “We’ve been banged up, a lot of injuries. When you lose the top guys in your rotation and a lot of starters, it’s tough. We’re just grinding through a rough stretch right now, so we’re just trying to turn it around.”
The Angels (42-41) will send left-hander Tyler Skaggs (6-5, 2.69 ERA) to pitch Saturday versus Baltimore’s Andrew Cashner (2-8, 4.70).
Skaggs has been effective in June, going 3-1 with an 0.67 ERA. He lost his last start, on Monday against the Royals Youth Mike Remmers Jersey , despite giving up just one run in seven innings.
He has no record or ERA after pitching just once against the Orioles, who now have lost six in a row. Skagg’s only appearance against Baltimore was a start in 2014, when he pitched shutout ball over 4 2/3 innings, allowing no hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.
Cashner has struggled at times this season but also thrown well despite not getting much help from his team’s bats. He has not recorded a win since May 21.
Cashner has made five career appearances, including two starts, against the Angels and has a 1-0 mark with a 3.94 ERA.
The Orioles’ already injury-riddled bullpen took another hit when the team said Friday that reliever Darren O’Day, on the disabled list with a left hamstring injury, is deciding whether to have surgery on the leg.
The sidewinder has been moved to the 60-day disabled list, so he won’t be back until at least late August. He injured the hamstring when trying to field a bunt against Seattle earlier this week.
Baltimore made a flurry of moves Friday. The Orioles recalled left-hander Paul Fry and right-hander Ryan Meisinger from Triple-A Norfolk.
Both made their major league debuts in Friday’s loss. Meisinger came in first, and the right-hander allowed one run on two hits in 1 2/3 innings. Fry also went 1 2/3 innings but did not give up a run. The left-hander struck out the first two hitters he faced — including Mike Trout.
The Orioles also optioned starters/long men Jimmy Yacabonis and Yefry Ramirez back to Norfolk after they combined to pitch nine innings versus the Mariners Thursday. In a separate move Rick Leonard Color Rush Jersey , the Orioles designated infielder Corban Joseph (brother of catcher Caleb) for assignment.
Baltimore now stands at 23-58 at the halfway point, one of the worst records in major league history. In addition, the Orioles have lost 16 of their past 17 home games.
Still, manager Buck Showalter is holding out hope that the team can do something positive in the final 81 games and wants the Orioles to believe that also.
“(The first half) has been tougher on our fans and our players (than on me),” Showalter said. “As tough and as bad as things have been for 81 games, they can be just as good the other way around.”
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (9-7)
OPEN CAMP: July 28, Jack Hammett Sports Complex, Costa Mesa, California
LAST YEAR: Bolts' relocation season ended just short of playoff berth with impressive 9-3 finish under new coach Anthony Lynn following 0-4 start. LA's new team had one of NFL's most impressive offenses, with Philip Rivers and receiver Keenan Allen headlining gifted group of playmakers. Chargers finished fourth with 376.6 yards per game Marcus Davenport Jersey Saints , and plus-12 turnover margin was third. Offensive line also allowed NFL-low 18 sacks. Defense rounded into form along with offense, with shutdown cornerback Casey Hayward and pass-rushing stars Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram leading group that finished third by allowing 197.2 yards per game against pass. Chargers won final five games at tiny StubHub Center, even establishing something close to home-field advantage. They barely missed first playoff berth since 2013.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: C Mike Pouncey, TE Virgil Green, S Derwin James, LB Uchenna Nwosu, QB Geno Smith, K Caleb Sturgis.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: S Tre Boston, TE Antonio Gates, DL Jeremiah Attaochu.
CAMP NEEDS: Staying healthy has been almost impossible for Chargers in recent years Cheap Luke Falk Jersey , and they've already lost budding star TE Hunter Henry to season-ending knee injury from non-contact drill in May. They'll look for new starting tight end in camp, and it's imperative to get to regular season with no additional serious injuries 鈥?and enough momentum to improve on last year's 0-4 start. Defense that frequently struggled against run must sharpen approach, and tackle Brandon Mebane could help immensely with bounce-back season. Bolts must figure out whether No. 7 overall pick Mike Williams is ready to be regular receiver after injury-shortened rookie year. They must find solid kicker after failing to do so last year, with Caleb Sturgis and Roberto Aguayo headlining competition.
EXPECTATIONS: If Chargers pick up where they left off, they have components of Super Bowl contender. They return with above-average franchise quarterback, Pro Bowl receiver and elite talent at nearly every important position, including two of NFL's best pass rushers and two of its top cornerbacks if Jason Verrett returns from injury at full strength. Another major injury could scramble forecast, but franchise that has won one playoff game and one AFC West title in past decade seems capable of much more this fall.
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