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Angels' Taylor Ward and Athletics' Lawrence Butler Set for a Power Clash

As the Los Angeles Angels prepare to face the Oakland Athletics, all eyes are on two standout performers who have been making waves with their recent performances. Taylor Ward, the Angels' left fielder, and Lawrence Butler, the Athletics' right fielder, are poised to have a significant impact in the upcoming game.


Jul 2, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (25) high fives team mates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Ward has been nothing short of spectacular in his recent outings. In one of the previous games, he showcased his power-hitting ability by smashing a home run and driving in three runs, finishing with an impressive batting average of .333 and an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of 1.666. Over the last three games, Ward has maintained a .500 batting average with two home runs and four RBIs, demonstrating his consistency at the plate.


On the other side, Lawrence Butler has also been a force to reckon with. His standout performance came when he hit three home runs and collected six RBIs in a single game, boasting an incredible .500 batting average and a 2.5 OPS for that game. Although Butler's performance dipped slightly in subsequent games, his overall contribution remains vital for the Athletics.


Jul 2, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) celebrates with second base Zack Gelof (20) after scoring against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Both teams have players who could turn the tide of the game. For the Angels, aside from Ward's explosive offense, pitcher Tyler Anderson has shown promise on the mound with an ERA (Earned Run Average) of 0.0 across multiple appearances, indicating his potential to stifle Athletics' hitters.


The Athletics counter with their own set of skilled players. JJ Bleday stands out with a .750 batting average in one of the past games, coupled with an OPS of 2.55, highlighting his ability to get on base and drive in runs effectively.


Jun 26, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA;  Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Mason Miller (19) pitches during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

As these teams clash at Oakland Coliseum on July 20th at 4:07 PM EDT, fans can catch all the action live on NBCS-CA. This matchup promises to be an exciting display of baseball talent with both teams looking to leverage their top performers' recent successes. Will Taylor Ward's bat continue to sizzle for the Angels? Or will Lawrence Butler's power surge lead the Athletics to victory? Only time will tell as these athletes gear up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Oakland.

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