Cole Hamels (3-0, 2.52 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (14-10) square off against Garrett Richards (1-3, 2.35 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (11-13) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the last of a three-game series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won the last game 7-2, and Texas leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 3:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 1 and can be seen on FSSW and FSW.
Hamels pitched 6.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking three in a 2-1 win over the Astros. Nomar Mazara (.333, 10 Rs, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. Richards went 6.2 innings, surrendering one runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking five in a 6-1 win over the Royals in his last outing. Yunel Escobar (.281, 10 Rs, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Texas and Los Angeles are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, Texas has a record of 6-6 SU. The Rangers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Texas’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Rangers, who lead the AL in strikeouts per game with 6.5.
The Angels are 10-5 against AL West foes. Offensively, the Angels have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Angels allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. The Angels have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 6.9 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Rangers lead the season series, 4-2.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
Los Angeles recorded at least two errors for the third time this season.
The Rangers are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Angels have a 0-4 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
It looks like the Rangers have a slight leg up on the Angels, as the Rangers have won their last four games while the Angels have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 8-2. The Rangers have a 10-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 24th in runs, Los Angeles has earned 80 this season. Texas ranks 11th with 106 runs.
Texas and Los Angeles both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Texas sits at 24th with 64 this season and Los Angeles ranks 21st with 69.
The Rangers are 9-8 when they hit at least one home run. The Angels perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with an 8-6 record.
