MLB Preview: Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers

Added on Apr 18, 2011 by Jack Thurman in

MLB

Another big matchup on Monday’s baseball betting card features a battle of AL West rivals as the Los Angeles Angels hit the road to take on the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have cooled off somewhat since their strong start, the Angels have caught fire and the result is that the two teams are tied atop the division as this three game set begins.

Los Angeles Angels (Wilson) at Texas Rangers (Santana)
April 18, 2011 5:05 PM Pacific

The Rangers have lost two straight and are just 5-5 in their last 10 games but they’re still a perfect 6-0 on their home field. The Angels have won five straight and are 8-2 in their last 10 including a 6-2 record on the road. In other words, we have a great matchup on Monday night. Making the Los Angeles run more impressive is that it came against some top flight opponents (Tampa Bay, Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto) and includes a 5-0 run on the road.

We’re not pushing the panic button on Texas just yet–their recent struggles have all come on the road and against tough opponents losing 4 of 5 against the Yankees and always tough at home Detroit. We look for things to get back to normal upon their return to Arlington. Rangers averaging a ridiculous 7.0 runs per game at home and will start southpaw C.J. Wilson here. Wilson has a serviceable 3.72 ERA with Texas winning 2 of his 3 starts. The Angels will counter with Ervin Santana who has a very similar ERA (3.74).

The salient component of this handicap in our view is the Angels underwhelming performance against left handers in 2010. The Halos went 23-28 for a net loss of -8.70 units and averaging just 3.7 runs per game. That won’t get it done against the Rangers’ potent bats in their home park. Texas has won 13 of the last 20 against Los Angeles in their home park and desperately need to get back on the winning track. The Halos are going to be hard pressed to keep up their winning form in this series and as the wins pile up may not approach it with the same sense of urgency. They’re a respectable 3-2 against LHP this year but assuming they return to their poor form against southpaws the Rangers will be the beneficiary.

Bet Texas Rangers (Wilson) -140 over Los Angeles Angels (Santana)