We’re still in the midst of Major League Baseball’s opening week, and we already have a thrilling four-game series on tap between division rivals the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels beginning this Thursday, March 7.
The Rangers and the Angels struggled in their respective opening regular-season series, so both teams will be eager to get back on the right track in the heated AL West. Join us as we briefly break down every game in the series and how each team fares in those upcoming contests.
Another club from the City of Angels (no pun intended) will also begin its rivalry anew this Thursday when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit the San Francisco Giants for yet another compelling divisional showdown. Check out our preview for that stunning four-game NL West series here.
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Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels Opening Regular-Season Series Preview
Game 1: April 7, 10:05 PM ET – Derek Holland (0-0) vs. Hector Santiago (0-0)
Why the Angels will win: Hector Santiago loves going against the boys from the Lone Star State. In six starts last season, Santiago posted an ERA of 2.10 against the Rangers. The lefty also had a stellar first half to his 2015 campaign where had a 2.23 ERA, so look for the 28-year-old to have another solid debut for his first start this season.
Writer’s Prediction: Texas draws first blood, 4-2.
Game 2: April 8, 10:05 PM ET – A.J. Griffin (0-0) vs. Matt Shoemaker (0-0)
Why the Rangers will win: The team will relish its chance to face Los Angeles righty Matt Shoemaker, who had a lackluster showing in spring season where he gave up a whopping 30 hits, 19 runs and nine homers in just 25 innings. In fact, Shoemaker hasn’t found his superb rookie form of 2014 yet, as he also had a mere 4.46 ERA all of last season.
Why the Angels will win: Despite his poor preseason, Shoemaker surrendered just one home run and five RBIs in 57 total at-bats against Texas’ current batting order. In addition, the Angels will face A.J. Griffin, who has not made a start in the majors since 2013 and is coming off a two-year layoff recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Writer’s Prediction: The Halos finally notch their first victory of the season, 5-2.
Game 3: April 9, 9:05 PM ET – Cole Hamels (1-0) vs. Garrett Richards (0-1)
Why the Rangers will win: Well, it was former World Series MVP Cole Hamels who eliminated the Angels from the Wild Card picture in the final regular-season game last year – a two-run complete game at that. Hamels also came out victorious for Texas’ inaugural regular season game this Monday after allowing just four hits and two runs (both on solo home runs) while also striking out eight Seattle hitters.
Why the Angels will win: Inversely, it was Richards who was on the losing end of the aforementioned season finale. He may have lost against the much-improved Cubs in the opener as well, but Richards saw his breaking ball reach the high-90s, seemingly adding a new weapon in his arsenal. The 27-year-old even had a respectable 2.70 ERA in four starts against the Rangers last season too.
Writer’s Prediction: Hamels with another dominant performance for the Rangers, 4-1.
Game 4: April 10, 3:35 PM ET – Martin Perez (0-0) vs. TBA
Why the Rangers will win: Because of Andrew Heaney’s strained arm, Los Angeles won’t have its second pitcher from the starting rotation on the mound for the series finale. Instead, the Rangers may be lucky enough to face Jared Weaver, who is fresh off his worst season (7-12, 4.64 ERA) during his decade-long stint with the Angels.
Why the Angels will win: To even out the matter, Los Angeles will make every opportunity against Texas’ Martin Perez. The Venezuelan gave up five hits, three runs and walked four batters over six innings during his last start (a loss) at Angel Stadium. Look for first baseman C.J. Cron to own Perez that Sunday afternoon. Cron is 3-of-6 with a triple and four RBIs lifetime against the lefty.
Writer’s Prediction: The Angels fail to even the series as the Rangers harrass Weaver for the victory, 6-3.
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