The Los Angeles Angels (83-75) are clicking at the right time, winning eight of their last 10 and are on a current seven-game winning streak that has placed them just a half-game behind the Astros for the second wild card spot in the American League. They’ll be looking to possibly overtake the Astros when they travel to Arlington and square off with playoff-bound Texas Rangers (86-72) for the first clash of their final series this season.
Who will emerge victorious? Will the Halos stay hot? Or will the Rangers extinguish their flame? Read on for an in-depth breakdown of this must-see matchup. And if you’re craving for more baseball action, check out our other previews: Royals vs. White Sox and Red Sox vs. Yankees. Enjoy.
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview
Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas
When: Thursday, October 1, 8:05 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Angels (+115) vs. Texas Rangers (-125); Total: 9.0—View all MLB Lines
Betting on the Los Angeles Angels
Good things have been happening for the Los Angeles Angels lately whenever Andrew Heaney (6-3, 3.29 ERA) takes the mound. Over his last three starts, he’s only surrendered a total of four earned runs on seven hits throughout 17 innings of work. Heaney will have a chance to continue displaying his fine form when they open up a crucial four-game set with the Texas Rangers.
[sc:MLB240banner ]The chances for another solid outing from the 24-year-old lefty are looking pretty high as he seems to be very comfortable pitching on the road this season. He is 3-1 with a quality 2.23 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and .230 opponents’ batting average across seven starts. Moreover, Heaney did well in his lone career start opposite Texas on July 26 of this year, logging in six innings of two-run ball for the eventual 13-6 triumph. Los Angeles is 3-4 in his last seven starts.
As for the offense, expect the Mike Trout to lead the charge in lighting up the plate for the Halos. Trout, who leads the team in batting average (.295), homers (40), OBP (.397) and hits (164), is a .415 career hitter against Texas. He’s also gotten the best out of Derek Holland, going 10-for-29 with two homers and nine RBIs off the Rangers’ starter.
Terrible would be the perfect word to describe how bad Derek Holland (3-3, 4.99 ERA) has been as of late. He’s yielded 21 earned runs and 33 hits over his previous four starts. In that stretch he is 0-2 with a very dismal ERA of 8.59 ERA. Holland will get another shot to end this struggle when he toes the rubber later against the Los Angeles Angels.
Unfortunately for the Rangers, the 28-year-old veteran is bound for yet another forgettable night. He’s had a big share of his struggles at Globe Life Park this season, owning a 2-2 record with a 5.29 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, while allowing his opponents to a .298 batting average. The Rangers are 3-2 in Holland’s previous five home turns.
With Holland expected to continue his pitching deficiencies, it’s going to be crucial for the Rangers’ offense to provide some timely contributions at the plate.
That said, look to none other than Prince Fielder, the team’s best batter (.305), to lead the charge in providing those timely runs. Fielder has had most of his success at home this season, holding a sizzling triple-slash line of .314/.373/.466. But he might have his work cut out for him as he is 0-for-2 off the Angels’ starter, Andrew Heaney.
