Big Game James Shields dominated the Texas Rangers again on Monday as the Rangers dropped the series opener to the Rays 5-1. On Tuesday night, Texas will send C.J. Wilson to the mound, who will look to repeat his success from his last start against Tampa Bay.
Wilson dominated the Rays last week en route to his 14th win of the season. Wilson pitched six innings, allowing just two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out eight in Texas' 7-2 win. The solid effort from Wilson brought his WHIP down to 1.20 on the season and dropped his BAA to .236.
Texas' bats will look to come alive against Jeff Niemann, who gets the nod for Joe Maddon's Rays. Niemann was the losing pitcher last week against Wilson in Texas' 7-2 win, lasting just five innings, surrendering five runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two.
The loss on Monday night was compounded with a win by the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels handled the Mariners with relative ease, winning 7-3 behind Dan Haren. Los Angeles' win coupled with Texas' loss leaves the Rangers just two and a half games up on Los Angeles - and just two games up in the loss column.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 CDT from Tropicana Field.