SoCal MLB Preview

LA Dodgers (21-19) at LA Angels (24-19), 7:05 pm

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hope to get back on track as they open interleague play on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a three-game series. The Angels have lost five of their previous seven contests - including a 4-3 setback to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

Joe Saunders (6-1, 2.48 ERA) will take the mound for the Angels, who still hold a one-half game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West Division. Saunders is coming off his first loss of the season, despite pitching quite well. He surrendered just one run on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts, but was outdueled Tampa Bay Rays ace Scott Kazmir in Saturday's 2-0 loss.

The Dodgers, who are seeking their third consecutive win following a five-game losing streak, will send Hiroki Kuroda (1-2, 3.59) to the hill. Kuroda has not won since April 4, despite an impressive outing during Sunday's 8-5 loss to the Houston Astros. The Japanese righthander allowed just one run on one hit and three walks with five strikeouts in 6 2/3 frames.