Oakland (44-37) at Los Angeles (49-33)

The Los Angeles Angels did some very impressive pitching over the weekend. The way the Oakland Athletics have been swinging the bats lately, there is reason to believe they could continue doing so.

After allowing three hits in their last two games, the Angels look to extend Oakland’s struggles at the plate on Monday and create even more space between themselves and their closest pursuer for the AL West lead.

Los Angeles (49-33) did not give up an earned run over the weekend. It started with Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo combining on an eight-inning no-hitter Saturday in a 1-0 loss to the Dodgers. John Lackey held them to three hits before Francisco Rodriguez got the final out in a 1-0 victory on Sunday.

“We’ve got to win any way we can,” Lackey said. “If you do get a run, you’ve got to make it stand up.”

Mike Napoli’s second-inning single Sunday drove in the only run the Angels have scored in their last 28 innings. But it was enough for Los Angeles to end a three-game losing streak and increase its lead over Oakland (44-37) to 4 1/2 games.

“It’s pitching and defense - no magic formula,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia told the team’s official Web site. “Our pitchers are executing and getting in good zones. That’s what we rely on.”

It’s similar for Oakland, which leads the majors in opponent batting average (.237) and is second in ERA (3.42). However, starter Joe Blanton was ineffective for four innings and the bullpen allowed four runs Sunday in an 11-1 loss to San Francisco.

Oakland’s staff had surrendered nine runs over its previous six games while holding opponents to a .176 batting average.

The team’s offense has not been providing much help. The A’s are batting .197 with two homers in the last five games while scoring 10 runs.

Bobby Crosby, Emil Brown and Carlos Gonzalez all went hitless over the weekend as Oakland lost back-to-back games to San Francisco after winning Friday’s series opener 4-1.

The A’s lineup now faces Jon Garland (7-4, 4.05 ERA), who is 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 10 starts through May and June. He allowed three runs in seven innings on Tuesday in an 8-3 victory at Washington.

The right-hander hasn’t lost to an AL opponent since the A’s beat him in Anaheim on April 28, when he allowed a season high-tying seven runs and 10 hits in six innings of a 14-2 defeat. Garland avenged that loss on June 7 in Oakland, giving up two runs in seven innings with a season-high eight strikeouts in an 8-3 win.

The pitcher he defeated in that game will be his opponent again Monday, with the A’s hoping Greg Smith (4-6, 3.69) can post his third win in 12 starts. Over his last 11 outings, Oakland has scored a total of 14 runs while he’s been on the mound.

Smith gave up four runs and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings in a 4-0 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday.

The rookie right-hander has lost both of his starts against the Angels but hasn’t pitched badly, allowing six earned runs and 10 hits in 14 1-3 innings.

Crosby has hit .375 (9-for-24) with four doubles and a homer off Garland, who is 4-9 with a 4.82 ERA against the Angels,

The Oakland lineup could get a boost Monday with third baseman Eric Chavez (sore shoulder) and center fielder Ryan Sweeney (sprained ankle) likely to return.

Though it’s possible he will be used as the designated hitter Monday, Chavez reported no problems after doing some throwing and hitting before Sunday’s game.

“He tested both elements of his shoulder and he did well,” A’s manager Bob Geren told the team’s official Web site. “He feels that, more than likely, he’ll be ready to play tomorrow.”

Oakland has lost four of seven meetings in this season series, failing to score more than three runs in any of the four losses while combining for 36 in three victories.