SoCal MLB Preview

Tampa Bay (38-27) at LA Angels (40-26), 12:55 p.m.

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim try to win their eighth consecutive series on Wednesday when they wrap up a three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Angels haven't lost a series and are 18-9 since enduring a three-game sweep at the hands of the Rays from May 9-11.

Just one game after surrendering a season-high 13 runs during a nine-run loss to Tampa Bay, Anaheim bounced back by claiming a 6-1 victory on Tuesday. Jered Weaver pitched eight outstanding innings while Vladimir Guerrero hit his ninth home run of the season. Guerrero, who has been limited to the designated hitters role while nursing a sore right knee, appears to be turning the corner on his early season struggles. The 32-year-old slugger is 6-for-7 in the series with 10 hits in his last 21 at-bats overall.

Runs will be at a premium on Wednesday when Rays' ace Scott Kazmir (6-1, 1.40 ERA) faces John Lackey (2-1, 1.70) of the Angels. Kazmir has held the opposition scoreless in three of his seven starts this season while allowing two runs or less during three other outings. Lackey has been nearly as effective, surrendering fewer than two runs in four of his five starts this campaign.