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Rangers aim to stay unbeaten at home vs. Angels

Apr 19, 2011 - 2:47 PM (Sports Network) - The Texas Rangers are off to their best home start in team history. Tonight, they try to improve to 8-0 in their ballpark and in the process extend their lead atop the American League West when they resume a four-game set against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Texas remained unbeaten in its park on Monday, as Adrian Beltre had a three- run homer, Mitch Moreland added a solo blast among three RBI and the Rangers stopped the Angels' five-game winning streak with a 7-1 victory.

C.J. Wilson (2-0) earned the win, allowing just one run despite giving up nine hits in seven innings. He struck out nine and walked one for the Rangers, who moved to 11-5 for a one-game lead on the Angels in the division.

Texas, starting a 10-game homestand, smacked 14 hits against three Angels pitchers and has opened a year with seven straight wins at home for the first time in franchise history.

"It's early in the season obviously, but we feel comfortable here," said Rangers designated hitter Michael Young.

Angels starter Ervin Santana (0-2) took the brunt of the offensive outburst, yielding six runs on 10 hits in four-plus innings. He struck out three and walked one.

Maicer Izturis, Howie Kendrick, Vernon Wells and Peter Bourjos had two hits apiece in the loss.

"Those guys beat us tonight," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "We didn't execute some things that we had to on the mound, and early on at the plate, but I don't think we need major adjustments."

Getting the call for the Rangers tonight will be right-hander Colby Lewis, who became the first player to go on MLB paternity leave on Friday and was reinstated on Monday. He is 1-1 on the year with a 5.25 ERA.

"I felt like I was gone for a month," Lewis said. "I'll be ready to go."

In his career against the Angels, Lewis is 3-2 with a 4.68 ERA in nine appearances.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, will counter with righty Matt Palmer, who makes his second start of the year. Palmer started in place of the injured Scott Kazmir back on April 9 against Toronto and did not get a decision, as he allowed five runs (four earned) and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Palmer has faced the Rangers seven times (one start) and is 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA.

Texas was 10-9 against the Angels last season. LA, though, has dropped 14 of its last 20 in Arlington.