Rangers Hope for Fireworks in Weekend Series vs. Angels
The Los Angeles Angels come into Texas on the 4th of July weekend holding a .5 game edge for second place in the AL West standings. A series win or sweep by either team could prove pivotal with just eight games left until the All-Star break.
The Angels look to put distractions behind them as General Manager Jerry Dipoto walked out on the team after an apparent power struggle that has been brewing all season between ownership and Dipoto.
To add insult to often injured, Josh Hamilton will face the Angels for the first time since April 27 when he was traded from the team.
Pitching Matchups
Game one pits Rangers rookie Chi Chi Gonzales (2-3, 2.59 ERA), who has slowed down after a fast start, against Angels Ace Garret Richards (8-5, 3.54 ERA). This will be Gonzales' first career start against the Angels.
Angels Game two starter Hector Santiago (4-4, 2.58 ERA) has never lost at Globe Life Park. He squares off against Rangers Wandy Rodriguez (5-3, 3.91 ERA).
Ex-Ranger/Head and Shoulders Spokesman C.J. Wilson (6-6, 3.78 ERA) faces Colby Lewis (8-3, 4.13 ERA) in the series finally on Sunday, July 5.