(Interstat) — MLB Preview: Brewers at Angels

The Milwaukee Brewers, owners of the best record in the National League at 67-41, open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels (42-67) at 7:07 p.m. Friday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.

Milwaukee enters the matchup reeling from a 16-3 loss Wednesday at San Francisco, its worst defeat of the season. The Brewers had won eight of their previous nine games before that blowout, including an 8-2 victory over the Giants on Tuesday.

Right-hander Thomas Pannone is a pitcher to watch for Milwaukee. In Wednesday’s loss, Pannone allowed two earned runs on three hits over three innings with two strikeouts. He will look to bounce back against an Angels lineup that has struggled to generate consistent offense.

Los Angeles has lost four straight games and seven of its last 10. The Angels fell 7-4 to Houston on Wednesday, their fourth consecutive defeat at home. Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez is a key arm for the Angels. In that loss, Rodriguez pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits with six strikeouts. However, his previous three outings have been turbulent: he surrendered five earned runs in four innings July 24 at San Francisco, six earned runs in four innings July 18 against Detroit and three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in a rare win July 10 at Minnesota.

The Angels’ offensive struggles are reflected in their record. They rank near the bottom of the American League in runs scored. Second baseman Vaughn Grissom drove in two runs Wednesday, while left-hander Brent Suter tossed two scoreless innings in relief.

Milwaukee’s offense showed signs of life despite the lopsided loss Wednesday. Second baseman Brice Turang went 2 for 5 with two RBIs, and first baseman Jake Bauers also had two hits.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-4 Brewers victory. Milwaukee is installed as a minus 1.5-run favorite, with the over/under set at 9.5 runs.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday before the Brewers return home to host Pittsburgh on Monday. The Angels begin a six-game road trip Tuesday at Baltimore.