The Los Angeles Angels (14-18) and Texas Rangers (21-11) will open up a three-game American League West series on Friday night at Rangers Ballpark, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:05 ET
Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers
Los Angeles has won four of its last five games, and definitely has an advantage heading into this important series due to having a travel day on Thursday. The Angels will be taking on a club that just completed a day-night doubleheader in Baltimore. “We’ll be playing in front of a huge crowd in a stadium that’s relatively hostile to our team,” commented Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson. The club has dropped eight of its last 10 games against Texas, including each of the last four games. Los Angeles is 0-3 as a road underdog of +125 to +150, while the “under” is 3-0 in that situation.
Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (4-2, 2.61 ERA) has won his last two starts, coming off a 6-2 home win over the Toronto Blue Jays last time out, giving up two runs and six hits over eight frames. The left-hander has registered a 2-1 mark and 1.80 ERA in three road outings this year, as opposing hitters are batting .200 against him. Wilson will be facing his former team for the first time, as he was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 2001 MLB draft.
Texas managed to split its 10-game road trip, while also doing the same in a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. The Rangers dropped a 6-5 decision in the first game, and rebounded with a 7-3 victory in the night portion. “I’m tired, hungry, it will be nice to be home,” stated Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. He has certainly been the star of the show offensively, hitting .395 with 15 home runs and 38 RBIs this season. Texas is 42-14 as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the past two-plus seasons.
Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (4-1, 2.54 ERA) suffered his first loss of the season last time out, dropping a 4-2 road decision to the Cleveland Indians, allowing four runs (three earned) and six hits over six frames. The right-hander comes in with a perfect 2-0 mark and 3.21 ERA in two home starts, issuing six walks and striking out 15 batters in 14 combined innings. Darvish will be facing the Angels for the first time, while managing to go 3-1 with a 1.62 ERA in his last five starts.
Bettors will likely back the Angels due to their 5-2 record versus right-handed starters, while the Rangers are 1-4 in their last five games against southpaws.
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