ANGELS NOTEBOOK: DIVISION LEADERS ARE IN KEY STRETCH.

Byline: Walter Hammerwold Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Sure, the Angels entered Tuesday night's game against the Kansas City Royals having won 19 of their past 22 games. But the real test lies ahead.

Though the Angels have found success in the past month, their confidence might be tempered realizing their schedule through most of May hasn't been difficult.

After opening the season with the worst start in franchise history and dropping 8 of 11 games to AL West rivals Seattle and Oakland, the Angels have managed to turn it around, largely at the expense of sub-.500 teams. Through their past 22 games, the only team with a winning record the Angels have faced is the Chicago White Sox.

What remains to be seen is whether the Angels can continue their success in upcoming series against AL Central-leading Minnesota and NL Central-leading Cincinnati. Of course, there are 20 more games with Seattle and Oakland this season.

``We aren't looking past tonight's game,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``We are trying to stay focused on the task at hand, That's our short-term focus and that's what's helping us win games.''

First baseman Scott Spiezio echoed his manager's sentiments: ``Who knows? That's a ways away. Right now, we're confident as a team and we're focused on the team we're playing, not another team down the road.''

If the Angels remain consistent against tougher teams, they easily could challenge the Mariners, who entered Tuesday 3 1/2 games ahead of Anaheim. The struggling A's, who had lost eight of their past 10 games entering Tuesday, could help the Angels.

--Sizzling Salmon: Just four weeks ago, the slump that rendered Tim Salmon ineffective throughout the 2001 season seemed destined to plague him throughout 2002 as well. But the Angels' right fielder, who was batting .183 through the end of April, has proved he is as resurgent as his team.

Salmon has hit .339 in May to improve to .246. He entered Tuesday's game with 10 doubles, five home runs and 25 RBI.

--Eckstein sits: David Eckstein sat out Tuesday night's game after jamming his knee while sliding to avoid a tag Monday, Scioscia said. He probably will return today.

ANGELS vs. KANSAS CITY

Time: 7 p.m., Edison Field.

TV/Radio: ESPN2; 570-AM, 1090-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: Scott Schoeneweis (3-4, 5.29 ERA) goes for his third consecutive victory as the Angels go for the sweep in their three-game series against the Royals. Schoeneweis, who dropped three of his first four decisions to start the season, allowed four runs in five innings during last Friday's 8-4 win over the Chicago White Sox. Paul Byrd (7-2, 2.56) has been one of the few bright spots in Kansas City this season. He has been masterful in his last three starts, allowing two earned runs in 21 innings.

- Daily News

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ANGELS vs. KANSAS CITY (see text)