The Blue Jays look to ride the momentum of a surprising series win in Oakland when they open a series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim tonight.

Pitchers

Jays starter Josh Johnson has been horrible everywhere this year, but particularly on the road. The righty is 0-4 with a 7.66 ERA in five road starts this season, contributing to his overall 1-7, 6.08 stat line. Johnson, who has never faced the Angels, posted a 7.71 ERA in July.

The Angels will counter with RHP Garrett Richards, who is getting his second chance in the LA rotation. Richards was strong in his last start, tossing five scoreless innings against the A’s before getting a no decision. He was 1-2 with a 5.54 ERA in four April starts, and was rocked for 10 runs (five earned) in his only start against the Jays last June in Toronto.

Hitters

Jays OF Colby Rasmus has been on fire lately, going 11-for-26 in his last six games. Angels OF Josh Hamilton has turned things around of late, going 5-for-11 with 7 RBI in his last three games. Teammate Mike Trout has three HR, three doubles and five RBI in his last six against Toronto.

Trends

The Jays are 2-10 in their last 12 games following a win, 0-5 in Johnson’s last five starts and 0-6 in Johnson’s last six road starts. Toronto is, however, 9-2 in its last 11 against AL West opponents. The Angels are 6-1 in Richards’ last seven home starts and 7-3 in his last 10 starts as a favourite. LA has lost six in a row overall.

The under is 6-1 in the Angels’ last seven home games, and 4-1 in the last five meetings between the teams in LA.