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Angels, Rangers battle for early AL West supremacy

Apr 18, 2011 - 3:50 PM (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Angels could be catching the Texas Rangers at the right time. Tonight, the Angels try to take over sole possession of first place in the American League West when they open a three-game series against Texas at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

The Angels had their run of three straight division titles ended by the Rangers last season. However, both teams enter tonight's matchup sporting identical 10-5 records, but both come in on opposite sides of the spectrum. Los Angeles has won five in a row, while Texas has lost four of its last five games.

"It's a division series, and they're a good team," Texas' Michael Young said. "At the same time, we are veterans and have enough experience to focus on what we need to accomplish and what we want to improve on as the season progresses. This team doesn't need any extra incentive. We take each game individually."

Los Angeles received another solid pitching performance on Sunday from Dan Haren and Maicer Izturis finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and scored twice as the Angels finished off a sweep of the Chicago White Sox with a 4-2 win.

Haren (4-0) gave up seven hits and two runs, fanning six without a walk over 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander, who has not lost since August 20, actually saw his earned run average raised to 1.16.

"So far, I've done a good job of keeping the defense in the game, minimizing walks and working ahead in the count. That's my game, it's nothing fancy," Haren said of the keys to his early-season success.

Tonight the Angels will hand the ball to right-hander Ervin Santana, who is 0-1 on the year with a 3.74 ERA. Santana did not get a decision his last time out on Wednesday against Cleveland, as he allowed three runs and six hits in seven innings of his team's 4-3 win.

Santana has faced the Rangers 20 times and is 11-7 against them with a 5.44 ERA.

Texas, meanwhile, dropped two of three to New York over the weekend and has won just one time since Josh Hamilton went down with a broken arm. The Rangers, though, return home tonight where they have yet to lose and will be trying for their first 7-0 start in franchise history.

Heading to the hill for the Rangers will be left-hander C.J. Wilson, who is 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA. After outdueling Felix Hernandez for his first win of the year on April 6, Wilson did not get a decision on Tuesday in Detroit, as the Tigers reached him for four runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Wilson made five starts against the Angels last season and was 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA.

Texas was 10-9 against the Angels last season.