Lefty Joe Saunders may have a flashy 9-3 record but after two losses in his last three decisions, the Angels' starter has a big challenge in today's late afternoon nationally televised start (5:09 p.m., ESPN-HD) against Atlanta, his first ever against the Braves.

He must stop the NL road warriors, who came in with a 7-24 mark away from home before sweeping the first two games of the series and ending two Angels' best-in-baseball series-streak wins at eight -- one for all series, another for interleague series.

Even the return to the leadoff spot Friday of Chone Figgins, who has picked up where he left off before 33 games on the DL, hasn't helped a bit.

All Figgins has done is get on base five times in the two losses, drawing three walks, and the Angels' offense hasn't gotten in gear at all, getting drilled 14-6 on the scoreboard by the Braves.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Saturday after a 9-4 loss that it's time to turn the page and regroup. That time is just after 5 this afternoon.

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