Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers: AL West Rivals Meet at Rangers Ballpark

The Los Angeles Angels (56-47) and Texas Rangers (59-42) will continue an important American League West series on Tuesday night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:05 ET

Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers

Los Angeles Angels OF Mike Trout continues to be a leading AL MVP candidate heading into the final day of July

Los Angeles broke open the series opener in Texas with nine runs in the sixth inning, capturing a 15-8 victory on Monday night, moving four games back in the division race. The Angels welcomed back leadoff hitter Mike Trout, who hit his 17th home run and nine in the month of July, while first baseman Albert Pujols added three hits. The club is still just 12-20 over the last four seasons at this venue. Los Angeles is 6-9 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125.

Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (13-1, 2.26 ERA) has matched his career-best by winning seven straight starts, including an 11-6 home victory over the Kansas City Royals in his last effort. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine road outings, issuing 18 walks and striking out 39 batters in 57 frames. In 27 career starts versus the Rangers, Weaver has garnered a 10-7 record and 3.67 ERA, but suffered a 13-6 loss at this ballpark on May 13.

Texas didn’t gain a win in the standings last night, but the offense did come away with a victory, snapping an 0 for 29 stretch with runners in scoring position. “It was nice to see the offense going, we just couldn’t stop them,” commented Rangers manager Ron Washington. The club is 10-2-2 in series play against divisional foes this season, but are just 17-18 record wise in that situation in 2012. Texas is 10-6 as a home underdog of +100 to +125 the last two-plus seasons.

Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (7-5, 4.74 ERA) has led the club to four wins in his last five efforts, including a 5-3 home victory over the Boston Red Sox, allowing three runs and five hits over 7.2 frames. The left-hander is 3-3 with a 5.94 ERA in nine home games (eight starts), surrendering eight home runs in 50 frames. In 13 career games (10 starts) versus the Angels, Holland has compiled a 5-4 mark and 5.27 ERA, including a 2-0 record and 3.00 ERA in his last three efforts in the series at this venue.