Jered Weaver (7-12, 4.76 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (83-76) are in Texas to go up against Martin Perez (3-6, 4.77 ERA) and the Rangers (87-72) in a game that could be high scoring. This is the second of a four-game series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won the last game 5-3 and Texas leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 2 and will air on FSW, FSSW and ESPN.
In his last start, Perez pitched 6.0 innings, allowing zero runs (two unearned), striking out six and walking one in a 4-2 loss to the Astros. The Angels were unsuccessful the last time Weaver pitched. He pitched well, going 5.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out three in a 3-2 loss to the Mariners. Albert Pujols (.241, 83 Rs, 39 HRs, 92 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
Texas is a -125 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is nine runs. The Rangers have a winning record of 27-17 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +3,005. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (5-2). Texas has averaged 6.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.6.
On the other side, the Angels have a subpar record of 26-43 when they are the underdog, but are +237 overall with the money line. Against teams in their division, they are 42-30 SU and 15-16 as the underdog. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the Los Angeles batters, who rank fourth in the AL with 7.1 strikeouts per game.
The Angels have mostly come out on top against the Rangers in their previous 16 games this season, earning a 10-6 record. This game will feature Weaver (RHP) on the mound against the Rangers, who have a 53-43 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The left-handed Perez will take the mound against the Angels, who have a 24-20 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tex, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Los Angeles is 40-25, while Texas is 34-36.
The Angels managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rangers who are heading in with a 6-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 17-57. The Rangers have a 19-55 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 12th in home runs, Texas has hit 167 this season. Los Angeles ranks 10th with 173 home runs.
Ranking 15th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.23 per game. Texas ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.76.
Ranking 25th, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.704). Texas ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .741.
When the Angels allow at least one home run, they are 47-60, well-matched with the Rangers who are 44-55 when allowing at least one homer.
