When the Texas Rangers (18-12) and the Los Angeles Angels (18-14) began this series, they were only separated by one game for first place in the division. So, this weekend's clash in Anaheim is for early supremacy in what may wind up being a wild west (minus Oakland). Friday night's outcome added even more pressure for the next two games as these foes duke it out. This second game is set to start at 9:07 p.m. EST on Saturday, from sunny Anaheim's Angel Stadium. Here's how each team looks coming in.
Most wouldn't be surprised that a team from the Lone Star State is atop the division. However, most would assume it's the Astros, not the Texas Rangers, who have started stronger than the rest of their peers. An offense that's second in runs per game is a great place to start when talking about Texas' success. They're hitting homers, not striking out, and putting up big numbers consistently. If you wanted to knock them, they haven't found success stealing bases with the new rules the way other teams have. Considering five Rangers hitters have at least 20 RBIs and a .775 OPS, the Texas front office probably isn't complaining too much. They've been playing without Corey Seager for nearly a month too.
Don't sleep on their pitching either, which came into the weekend 10th in staff ERA. The team is ninth in walk rate and fifth in HR/9 this season. Adding Jacob deGrom will help every staf f, but Texas has a bunch of quality pitchers around him. Nathan Eovaldi showed what he is capable of in his last start, tossing a complete game shutout to earn his third win of the year. Consistency is an issue with Eovaldi, but when he's on point he's a monster on the mound. He enters this game with a 2.08 FIP, 1.145 WHIP, and only one homer allowed through 36.2 innings. He's faced several Angels hitters more than 10 times. He's fared well against Ohtani (2-12), but not against Mike Trout (6-17 with four walks). Anthony Rendon has over 30 plate appearances against Eovaldi, with a .276 average.
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