Preview: Cardinals at Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Interstat) — The St. Louis Cardinals visit the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday evening at Angel Stadium, looking to even a three-game series after dropping the opener 3-2 on Monday.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:38 p.m. PT under clear skies with temperatures near 88 degrees.

St. Louis (51-48) sends right-hander Michael McGreevy (4-7, 4.12 ERA) to the mound. The Angels (40-61) counter with left-hander Reid Detmers (3-6, 5.01 ERA).

Players to watch

Cardinals right-hander Kyle Leahy has been effective over his past four outings, including Monday’s no-decision against the Angels when he allowed one earned run on three hits over six innings. He also recorded quality starts against Miami (June 28) and the Chicago Cubs (July 4), tossing at least five innings in each.

Angels right-hander José Soriano earned the win Monday against St. Louis, allowing two earned runs on four hits over seven innings while striking out seven. Over his past five appearances, Soriano has pitched into the sixth inning three times.

Series context

Monday’s game saw the Angels rally for a 3-2 win. Right fielder Jo Adell went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Reliever Samy Natera Jr. earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Cardinals have lost three of their past four games, including a 10-inning loss at Arizona on July 19. St. Louis begins a six-game homestand following this series, hosting Arizona on Thursday.

Los Angeles snapped a four-game losing streak with Monday’s win and has won two of its past three.

By the numbers

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-3 Cardinals victory. St. Louis opened as a minus-1.5 favorite on the run line, with the over/under set at 9 runs.

Looking ahead

Following Wednesday’s series finale, St. Louis returns home to face Arizona on Thursday. The Angels travel to San Francisco for a three-game series beginning Friday.