@
Texas Rangers (31-22) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (28-26)
Pitching Probables: TEX – Matt Harrison (6-3, 4.41 ERA) LAA – Dan Haren (3-5, 3.55 ERA)
Game Info: 12:35 PM PT; TV – Fox Sports West; Radio – KLAA 830
One more win and the Angels not only have a sweep over the Rangers, but they can officially put the rest of the league on notice that the AL West is going to be a dogfight, despite many being tempted to call the race over as recently as two weeks ago.
This series is already a success for the Halos, but a win today would be the cherry on top as they could pull within 2.5 games of the reeling Rangers. Yes, that’s right the reeling Rangers. This is a team we were led to believe was some kind of invincible juggernaut that was going to win 110 games and clinch the division by mid-August. Instead, Texas is riding a four-game losing streak and looking might nervous about it.
Just look at their demeanor last night. They gacked easy plays in the field because they were anxious and rushing. Elvis Andrus looked almost panicked that Mike Trout hit a groundball at him that may or may not have grazed Erick Aybar. Instead of throwing to first anyway, he seized up and argued Aybar was out, which is just a stunning lack of focus from Andrus. And, of course, Yorvit Torrealba demonstrated a shockingly short fuse, that belies a certain worry in the back of his mind, when he threw a temper tantrum and got ejected after a close play at the plate didn’t go his way.
There is blood in the water, Angels fans. Now it is time to go in for the kill.