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Halos shoot for sweep of D-Rays in Cali

(Sports Network) - Ervin Santana hopes to bring the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim one step closer to their third AL West title in four seasons this afternoon when they try and complete a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Angel Stadium.

In the second game of this set on Tuesday, John Lackey pitched eight-plus solid innings to lead LA to a 2-1 win. Lackey (17-9) gave up just one run on five hits and two walks with 10 strikeouts for the Angels, who have won three of their last four and reduced their magic number to four to clinch the AL West.

Howie Kendrick drove in a run while Garret Anderson went 3-for-4 with a run scored in the win.

Jason Hammel (2-5) was the tough-luck loser as he gave up just two runs on seven hits in six innings of work while Jorge Velandia drove in the lone run for the Devil Rays, who have lost six of their last eight games.

Santana, meanwhile, gets the start today in place of Bartolo Colon, who was scratched due to a stiff back. Santana, who is 6-13 with a 5.82 ERA on the season, has allowed only two earned runs in his last 15 innings, spanning two starts and one relief appearance.

The 24-year-old right-hander struggled in his only other start against the Devil Rays, as he was hammered for seven runs and 14 hits in six innings. He is 2-3 lifetime against them with a 6.90 ERA in five starts.

Tampa Bay will counter with lefty J.P. Howell, who has not pitched since July 21. Howell lost his last three starts and was just 1-4 with a 7.36 ERA in his eight starts this season for the Devil Rays.

Howell will be getting the nod today in place of James Shields, who has been shut down after tossing a career-high 215 innings.

Los Angeles, which last swept the Rays from July 14-16 of last season, is 5-2 against Tampa Bay this season, with a 4-0 record at home. The Angels are 11-4 in the last 15 meetings with the D-Rays, winning seven straight against them at home.

Tampa Bay hasn't won at Angel Stadium since September 25, 2005.

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