Colby Lewis (3-0, 2.75 ERA) and Hector Santiago (3-2, 3.93 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers (26-20) and the Los Angeles Angels (21-25) at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won the last game 4-1, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 2:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 25 and can be seen on FSSW and FSW.
Lewis pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs and striking out six in a 2-1 win over the Astros. Nomar Mazara (.317, 20 Rs, 7 HRs, 18 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 3 with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs. Santiago went 2.2 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking three in a 9-4 defeat to the Orioles in his most recent start. Mike Trout (.326, 32 Rs, 10 HRs, 31 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 3 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 11-7 SU. The Rangers have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the AL in home offense with 5.0 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 rank second in the AL in strikeouts per game with 7.0.
The Angels are 14-10 against AL West rivals. 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 7.2 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Rangers lead the season series, 5-4.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
Los Angeles has won 52% (11-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Texas has won 58% (11-8) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Angels are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Rangers have a 9-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 18-4. The Rangers have a 15-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th, Los Angeles sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 183 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 with 203.
Ranking 26th, Texas is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 118 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top half with 140.
When the Rangers hit at least one home run, they are 19-11, well-matched with the Angels who are 16-9 when hitting one or more homers.
