Martin Perez, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, leads the Texas Rangers (19-13) into Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Sunday as they match up against the Los Angeles Angels (19-15) with the three-game series even at 1-1. The Rangers leveled the series 1-1 after winning 10-1 on Saturday.
Starter Nathan Eovaldi threw eight scoreless innings to get the win.Travis Jankowski was 3 for 5 with a double, one run, and two RBIs in the win. Brandon Drury went 2 for 3 with a solo home run and a double for the Angels.
ON THE MOUND
Perez (4-1, 2.41 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Texas. The lefty is tied for fourth in the AL in wins. Perez allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 15-2 road win over the Yankees on April 30. He got the win, scattering six hits while striking out two and walking one. Perez is making his first appearance against the Angels this season.
Over three starts against the Angels in 2022, Perez was 1-1 with a 3.71 ERA over 17 innings. He had 16 strikeouts and eight walks. Southpaw Jose Suarez (1-1, 7.89 ERA) will toe the rubber for Los Angeles. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rangers.
Suarez made three appearances against the Rangers in 2022, including two starts, striking out 10 and walking four over 12 innings (1-0, 3.75).
In his last start on April 30, Suarez got the win on the road against the Brewers. He threw five scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out six and walking three in the 3-0 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 8.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 6.4, while performing better across the board (.299/.379/.508).
Against southpaws like Suarez this season, the Rangers have a .785 OPS. Josh Jung is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a 1.277 OPS in 31 at-bats.
Los Angeles is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.2 for the season. The Halos have ann .801 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .961 OPS over 30 at-bats, Hunter Renfroe has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is 7-7 in road games in 2023, scoring 6.1 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Los Angeles has gone 9-6 at their home park this season, averaging 5.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.4.
In the last 10 meetings at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, each club has won five, though Texas has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.8-3.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by one games over the Angels.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (+105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
