The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels are set to conclude a three game series on Sunday night after splitting the first two games. Texas pounded one of Los Angeles' two aces, Dan Haren, on Friday night en route to an 11-7 victory. On Saturday, though, the Angels had their revenge, beating up on C.J. Wilson as the Angels won 8-4. Now on Sunday night, the Rangers will have to face another ace - this time in the form of Jered Weaver.
Weaver will be making the start on Sunday night on only three days rest - the first time in his career he's pitched on short rest. To date, Weaver has been one of the very best pitchers in baseball, with a 15-6 record to go along with a microscopic 2.03 ERA and .97 WHIP. Weaver has held opposing hitters to an average of .206 while only issuing 44 walks in 195.1 innings on the season.
Weaver has made four starts against Texas this year and has gone 2-1 with a 1.86 ERA in 29 innings, striking out 25 and walking just four.
Colby Lewis will start for Texas on Sunday night, looking to keep the ball in the park. In Saturday's win over Texas, the Angels belted five home runs. Lewis' downfall this year has been home runs, as he's surrendered 30 in 165.2 innings on the season, including two in his most recent start against the Red Sox.
Still, Lewis' numbers remain respectable on the season: his ERA sits at 4.07 and his WHIP is a cool 1.20.
With a win, the Rangers would pull three games ahead of the Angels in the standings, two up in the loss column. If Texas loses, though, the teams will be even in the loss column with Texas holding an official one game edge in the standings.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.