Texas defeated one of Los Angeles' aces last night when Alexi Ogando outdueled Jered Weaver. On Saturday afternoon, the Rangers will have to take on the Angels' other ace - Dan Haren.
Haren has been nothing short of excellent this season for the Angels. Though his record is only 4-2, Haren is the owner of a 1.87 ERA and .85 WHIP thus far in 2011. Furthermore, Haren has struck out 56 batters in 57.2 innings - and he's walked only eight. Haren, of course, was acquired by the Angels from the Diamondbacks last summer - in what could have been one of the worst trades in recent history.
Derek Holland, Texas' starter on Saturday afternoon, will have to be in fine form as he's taking on Haren. Holland has struggled at home this season. In four starts at the Ballpark in Arlington, Holland has a 7.29 ERA and opponents have hit him at a .341 clip. Perhaps even more damning is the fact that Holland has walked 11 batters in 21 innings at home this year as well.
Holland will need to start turning in quality starts soon as he's likely pitching for his spot in the rotation now with Scott Feldman out on rehab.
First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CDT, 1:10 p.m. PDT.