Free MLB Picks Today: Texas Rangers vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 9/22/22

The Los Angeles Angels (65-84) are on the road to face the Texas Rangers (64-84) at Globe Life Field on Thursday with the three-game series all square at 1-1. The Rangers leveled the series 1-1 after winning 7-2 on Wednesday, their ninth head-to-head victory in 15 games this season. Dane Dunning went five innings, giving up two runs on three hits and striking out eight, to get the win. Nathaniel Lowe went 2 for 3 with a double and two runs in the win. Taylor Ward was 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs for the Angels.

ON THE MOUND

Michael Lorenzen (7-6, 4.94 ERA) is slated for the start for Los Angeles. The right-hander allowed three runs over five innings in his last start, an 8-7 road win over the Mariners on Friday. He earned the win, giving up four hits while striking out six and walking two. LHP Martin Perez (12-6, 2.84 ERA) gets the ball for Texas. He has made two appearances against the Angels this season, both as the starter, giving up five runs (4 ER) over 11 innings (1-1, 3.27) with 11 strikeouts and five walks. In his last start on Friday, Perez got the win on the road against the Rays. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up three runs on nine hits, striking out three and walking one in the 4-3 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 3.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.8. Against left-handed pitchers like Perez this season, the Halos have a .668 OPS. Mike Trout is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a 1.044 OPS in 104 at-bats. Texas is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.5 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.221/.253/.356). The Rangers have a .683 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .819 OPS over 371 at-bats, Lowe has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Los Angeles is 31-43 in road games in 2022, scoring 3.6 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Texas has gone 31-42 at Globe Life Field this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. Texas is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Globe Life Field between the AL West rivals with an average scoreline of 6.0-5.6.