Mike Trout

Twins look to start new chapter vs. Angels

Published Jul. 21, 2015 4:40 p.m. ET

Dave Heller

Playing the Los Angeles Angels has not exactly been like heaven for the Minnesota Twins recently.

Last year, the Angels won all seven matchups and averaged 7.71 runs per game, which is the highest output vs. any opponent in the majors since 2014 (minimum five games).

Not to pour salt on the wound, but since July 1, the Angels are tops in Majors League Baseball with a 6.29 average runs per game, +51 run differential and 26 home runs. Los Angeles' 11-3 record during that span is also the best in the majors.

The Twins, meanwhile, have 10 games in which they have allowed 10 or more runs, tied for worst in the majors this season with the Red Sox.

But wait, not all is bad news. First, consider this year's Twins team is much better than last year's. Just look at the standings.

Next, consider Joe Mauer. He has feasted on Angels pitching over his career.

HIGHEST CAREER BATTING AVERAGE VS. ANGELS (min. 150 PA)

Player	Batting avg.
Bill Mueller	.358
Wally Joyner	.356
Joe Mauer	.355
Bobby Bonds	.347
Luis Alicea	.340

Minnesota also has an advantage in Tuesday night's opener.Additionally, since the start of the 2013 season, Mauer is 21 for 41 (.512) with a 1.273 OPS in 10 games against the Angels.

Angels starter Matt Shoemaker has struggled at home in 2015. He is 0-6 with a 4.60 ERA, a 2.8 K/BB ratio and nine home runs allowed this season (last year, he was 7-2 with a 2.06 ERA, a 5.3 K/BB ratio and only four homers allowed).

Meanwhile, Gibson has been stellar recently.

KYLE GIBSON IN 2015

	First 14 GS	Last 4 GS
W-L	4-6	4-0
ERA	3.35	1.30
Opponent BA	.253	.202
HR allowed	10	1

Other notes:

-- The Twins have been giving Gibson run support as well. In Gibson's last four starts, Minnesota is averaging 6.83 runs compared to 3.45 over the first 14.

-- The Twins rank first in the majors in extra-base hits from the No. 1 and 2 spots in the order with 84. They are second in slugging percentage (.472) and home runs (34), tied for second in runs (128) and third in RBI (95).

-- Albert Pujols and Mike Trout have a chance to be the first teammates since 1983 to be the first two players to reach 30 home runs in the majors.

Statistics courtesy STATS Inc.

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