Athletics visit the Angels to start 3-game series

Angels face Athletics in battle to avoid AL West basement

Two teams in a battle to avoid finishing in the American League West's cellar square off Friday night when the last-place Athletics open a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif.

Athletics visit the Angels to start 3-game series

Athletics (64-77, fifth in the AL West) vs. Los Angeles Angels (66-74, fourth in the AL West)

The Athletics struggle to begin the season’s final month

The Athletics were swept by the Texas Rangers before dropping two of three against the St. Louis Cardinals. Results FRI: TEX 5, ATH 2 Jack Leiter did well to limit the offense for the A’s in the series opener. He allowed a two-run double to Brent Rooker in the 3rd inning, which tied the game at two. Jonah Heim took Jeffrey Springs (5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 5 K) deep to put Texas back in front. Michael Helman hit a two-run HR off of Michael Kelly to ex…