Matt Fargo

The Rangers hit the road following a successful 7-3 homestand although it is coming off a disappointing four-game split against the White Sox. Texas is 11-6 over its last 17 games with five of those losses coming by just one run and sitting a game under .500, it is just two and a half games out of the second Wild Card spot in the American League which happens to be occupied by the Angels. After dropping it opener in Baltimore, Los Angeles won both games over the weekend to culminate a 7-2 roadtrip. The Angels have been hot by winning 15 of their last 21 games but they have won just four of their last 14 series openers. Texas sends Cole Hamels to the hill and he is having a solid season with a 3.48 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 15 starts, 10 of which have been quality outings. He has dominated the Angels this season as he has allowed just one run in two starts over 14.2 innings and going back, the Rangers are 14-4 in his last 18 starts after scoring two runs or less in their previous game. The Angels counter with Tyler Skaggs who has been pitching well since returning to the rotation in early August. He has a 2.93 ERA in three starts however he has a 1.63 WHIP to go along with that and that is a big concern. The Angels are 2-5 in his last seven home starts. 10* (965) Texas Rangers