Garrett Richards (0-1, 5.40 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (1-3) meet Cole Hamels (1-0, 2.57 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (2-3) in the third of a four-game division series at Angel Stadium. The Rangers won the last game 7-3, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 9:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 9 and will air on FSSW, FSW and MLBN.
In his most recent outing, Richards pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out seven and walking three in a 9-0 loss to the Cubs. Kole Calhoun (.333 ) continued his strong start to the season yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run and one RBI. The Rangers were victorious the last time Hamels pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out eight and walking three in a 3-2 victory over the Mariners. Elvis Andrus (.333 ) has been hitting the ball well to start the season, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable.
Against divisional rivals, the Rangers are 1-1 SU. Texas is one of the top hitting teams in the league with zero extra base hits. Texas is a terror on the base paths, with an MLB-best four stolen bases. The Texas pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 6.2 strikeouts per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
When they lead after seven innings, both Los Angeles and Texas have a 1-3 record.
The Texas batters brought in a solid 10 hits last game. Los Angeles has a record of 0-2 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
The Angels and the Rangers are both 1-0 when they notch more hits than their opponent.
Ranking 28th, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring eight this season. Texas ranks in the top half at 11th with 20.
Ranking first in walks, Texas has earned 22 this season. Los Angeles ranks 23rd with 10 walks.
When the Angels hit at least one home run, they are 1-0. When the Rangers hit at least one homer, they have a 1-2 record.
