The Texas Rangers open up a three game series with the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night at home in Arlington as they look to move closer towards clinching their second consecutive AL West crown. Coming into Tuesday night's game, the Rangers hold a three game lead in the AL West over the Los Angeles Angels with just 15 games left to play in the regular season.
Matt Harrison will get the start on Tuesday night for the Rangers. Harrison's last start came on September 4th against the Boston Red Sox, when he notched his 11th victory of the season while pitching seven innings, allowing just two earned runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five. Harrison had struggled mightily in August, so much so that he had his turn in the rotation skipped. Harrison's August was certainly a nightmare as he allowed 23 runs (20 earned) in 29.2 innings on 35 hits while walking 10 and striking out 23.
Texas' offense will face off against Justin Masterson of the Indians, who is currently enjoying the best year of his career. Masterson is 11-9 on the season with a 3.01 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Masterson has held opponents to a .253 average against in 2011 as well.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.