The Texas Rangers (18-12) take one of the most productive offenses in MLB on the road to face the Los Angeles Angels (18-14) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Friday to open a three-game series. The Rangers are playing their first of 10 games on the road after wrapping up a successful six-game homestand (4-2).
They split their last series against the Diamondbacks, dropping the finale 12-7 on Wednesday at Globe Life Field. Josh Jung was 3 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs. Leody Taveras went 3 for 3 with a solo home run.
The Angels are playing the first of six games at home after finishing up a productive six-game road trip (4-2). They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Cardinals, taking the finale 11-7 on Thursday at Busch Stadium for their fourth straight win.
Luis Rengifo went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in four. Anthony Rendon added two runs on two hits. The teams are meeting for the first time this season.
The Rangers won the 2022 season series between the AL West rivals (10-9), although they were swept in their most recent three-game set at Angel Stadium of Anaheim at the end of September.
ON THE MOUND
LHP Tyler Anderson (1-0, 5.74 ERA) is on the mound for Los Angeles. In his last start on April 28, Anderson took a no-decision on the road against the Brewers. He threw 6.2 innings and gave up one run on five hits, striking out seven and walking three in the 2-1 loss.
AT THE PLATE
The Texas offense is averaging 6.4 runs per game for the season, second best in the league, with a slash line of .261/.340/.454. Four Rangers hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Jonah Heim (.959).
The first baseman is slashing .294/.371/.588 with six home runs, 23 RBIs, and 18 runs over 25 games. Against southpaws like Anderson this season, the Rangers have a .767 OPS. Jung is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a 1.385 OPS in 26 at-bats.
Los Angeles is slashing .251/.331/.422 for the season and averaging 5.3 runs per game. Mike Trout leads the team with a .971 OPS. The right fielder has eight home runs, 19 RBIs, and 23 runs scored with a slash line of .296/.388/.583.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is on a three-game losing streak away from Globe Life Field, bringing their record to 6-6 in 2023. The Rangers have scored 5.9 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.1 runs. Los Angeles has won three in a row at their home park.
The Halos are 8-5 at home this season, averaging 6.2 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. The teams have split their last 10 meetings head-to-head at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, though Texas has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.1-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by one games over the Angels.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
LA Angels (-145)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
