Texas @ Los Angeles preview
Angel Stadium
Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2010 ) Texas 7, LA Angels 9
When the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers took the field for the opening game of their key three-game set on Friday, a slugfest broke out.
The two squads combine for 22 hits and 16 runs as the Angels squeezed out a 9-7 win despite falling behind by five runs after the first two innings.
But they turned on the offense, scoring four runs in both the second and fourth frames to earn what could be their most important victory of the campaign.
The triumph cut the Rangers lead in the American League West to eight games over their Los Angeles counterparts.
The teams will take the field on Saturday in what will be Dan Haren’s second start with the Angels.
Haren (7-9, 4.57 ERA), who was acquired this week in a trade with Arizona, will take the mound after an unlucky debut. The right-hander exited in the fifth inning after being hit on his forearm by a line drive from Kevin Youkilis on Monday night.
X-rays showed no major damage and Haren declared himself good to go after working through his regular bullpen session between starts. He was efficient before leaving against Boston, striking out eight batters and allowing a pair of runs in being dealt the loss.
Haren currently owns the highest ERA since his rookie year in 2002. He also has allowed 24 homers after surrendering 27 total a season ago.
Haren will be looking for his first win in nine starts as he hasn’t been victorious since June 12.
Friday’s offensive outburst for the Angels was a pleasant surprise for a club that has struggled with the bats at times. Juan Rivera homered and drove in four runs and Erick Aybar finished with two RBIs as the Angels were forced to overcome the early deficit.
The performance wasn’t unexpected for Texas, which boasts one of the most potent offenses in the majors, led by All-Star slugger Vladimir Guerrero, who along with David Murphy, brought in two runs apiece.
Drawing the start for the Rangers on Saturday is Scott Feldman (5-9, 5.46 ERA), who like Haren, is mired in a losing funk. He hasn’t won in six starts, including taking a pair of losses to the Angels.
The right-hander surrendered eight runs and 16 hits over 11 innings of the two setbacks.
Angels closer Brian Fuentes picked up the save Friday, his 13th in the past 14 opportunities after struggling to begin the season.