Texas @ Los Angeles preview
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Last Meeting ( Aug 6, 2013 ) Texas 8, LA Angels 3
The Texas Rangers attempt to complete a sweep when they visit the Los Angeles Angels for the finale of their three-game series Wednesday. Leonys Martin and Elvis Andrus combined for five hits and two RBIs while scoring five runs and stealing five bases as Texas won 8-3 on Tuesday. It was the eighth win in nine contests for the Rangers, who climbed within one game of the first-place Oakland Athletics in the American League West.
The triumph increased Texas' lead over the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles for the second AL wild card spot to 1 1/2 games. The Rangers have won six straight meetings with the Angels and nine of 11 in the season series. Los Angeles' playoff hopes are virtually non-existent, as the team trails Texas by 12 games for the wild card and Oakland by 13 for the division crown.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Alexi Ogando (4-3, 3.26 ERA) vs. Angels RH Tommy Hanson (4-2, 5.29)
Ogando is seeking his first win since May 15, when he allowed two runs in six innings at Oakland. The 29-year-old Dominican has gone 0-1 in four outings since, while also making two trips to the disabled list. Ogando is 3-0 with a 1.85 ERA in 21 career games - four starts - against the Angels.
Hanson has failed to record a decision over his last four starts, including three since returning from a strained forearm. The 26-year-old has surrendered a total of 10 runs over 10 innings in his last two outings. Hanson won his only career start against the Rangers on April 6, when he allowed three runs over six frames at Texas in his season debut.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles 2B Grant Green was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake and started in place of Howie Kendrick (knee). Green recorded his first two major-league hits while making his debut for the Angels.
2. Angels OF Josh Hamilton is hitless in eight at-bats in the series and 14-for-44 in 11 games against his former team this season.
3. Texas is 2-0 without suspended OF Nelson Cruz, who is eligible to return in the postseason.
PREDICTION: Angels 5, Rangers 4