Alexi Ogando takes the mound on Thursday night for the Texas Rangers as they look to salvage a split with the Boston Red Sox in the fourth and final game of their four game series in Arlington.
After taking the first game of the series 4-0 behind C.J. Wilson, the Red Sox have taken the Rangers out to the woodshed with 11-5 and 13-2 victories on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Boston's offense torched Colby Lewis for seven runs on nine hits in six innings on Tuesday before knocking Matt Harrison out after five innings on Wednesday, as Harrison allowed seven runs on 11 hits in his five innings.
Ogando will look to pitch not only better, but deeper into the game than Texas' previous two starters. The Rangers have a showdown with the second place Los Angeles Angels this weekend, who are idle on Thursday. Texas needs Ogando to pitch deep into the game tonight to keep the bullpen somewhat fresh.
Texas' offense will face off against Andrew Miller, who has pitched much worse than his 5-1 record would indicate. Miller takes a 4.99 ERA to go along with an atrocious 1.81 WHIP and .304 BAA into Thursday's contest against the Rangers. The strike zone is not Miller's friend, as he's walked 30 in 48.2 innings with Boston this season.
First pitch from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.