• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Angels look to get back on track vs. Rangers

Jul 3, 2007 - 1:25 PM LA Angels (51-31) at Texas (34-48) 8:35 pm EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim face the Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Even though they have baseball's best record, the Angels are just 2-4 in their last six games. But Anaheim is an impressive 6-1 against Texas this season.

Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero always has enjoyed facing the Rangers. He has hit safely in 56 of 61 career games against Texas.

The Angels will turn to Ervin Santana (5-8, 5.27 ERA), who continues to search for answers for his road woes. He is 1-6 with a 7.53 ERA in eight road starts this season and 10-17 with a 6.72 ERA over his career. Conversely, he is 4-2 with a 3.42 ERA in eight starts and 23-7 with a 3.16 ERA lifetime at Angel Stadium.

The righthander allowed seven runs - five earned - and nine hits over five innings on Tuesday in a 12-4 loss to Kansas City.

Santana is 4-2 with a 6.32 ERA in eight career starts against Texas. However, he is 1-2 with a 9.00 ERA in five career starts at Rangers Ballpark.

The Rangers will counter with Kevin Millwood (4-7, 7.06), who has lost both of his starts against the Angels this season.

In his last start on Thursday, the righthander permitted three runs and five hits but tied a career high with six walks over six frames in 5-2 loss to Detroit. He is 1-2 with a 4.55 ERA in five career starts against the Angels.

The Rangers are coming off a four-game split against the Boston Red Sox.