ANGELS TONIGHT

vs. New York Mets, Angel Stadium, 7.

On the air: TV -- Channel 13. Radio -- 830, 1330.

Update: Lackey has been excellent since his return from the disabled list, pitching at least seven innings and turning in quality starts in each of his six outings. He won his second consecutive decision his last time out, holding Tampa Bay to two runs and four hits in 7 1/3 innings and matching a season high with seven strikeouts. While Lackey has one career start against the Mets, Santana is intimately familiar with the Angels, having faced them 10 times while with the Minnesota Twins. And the two-time Cy Young Award winner’s 4.05 earned-run average against the Angels is his fourth-highest against any club. The Angels, 3-2 against Santana, are also one of four teams with a winning record against him and, at 13-3, they boast the majors’ best record against left-handers this season.

*--* THE MATCHUP

2008 r”>2008 VS OPP TEAMS/PITCHE W-L ERA TEAM W-L IP ERA RS New York 7-4 2.85 9-5 -- --- --- (NL)/Johan Santana(L) -- -- -- -- -- -- ANGELS/John 3-1 1.83 4-2 -- -- -- Lackey (R) *--*

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-- Kevin Baxter