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Escobar hopes to continue success against Rangers

Jul 13, 2007 - 2:05 PM Texas (38-50) at La Angels (53-35) 10:05 pm EDT

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - Kelvim Escobar looks to extend his unbeaten streak to seven starts when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game series Friday.

Escobar (10-3, 3.19 ERA) is 4-0 with a 3.48 ERA in his previous six outings.

The 31-year-old Venezuelan pitched seven strong innings in his last start, allowing just one run and three hits with three walks and eight strikeouts in a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on July 5.

Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez picked up the save in Tuesday's All-Star Game after relieving Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz with two outs in the ninth inning. The 25-year-old righthander walked two batters to load the bases before Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Aaron Rowand to fly out to right field.

Kevin Millwood (6-7, 6.16) will take the mound for the Rangers, who have won four of their last six contests.

Millwood allowed just one run and five hits with three walks and four strikeouts over six innings in a 2-1 triumph over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

Designated hitter Sammy Sosa, who is expected to play following the three-day break, will be looking to add to his 602 career home runs. The 38-year-old Sosa is homerless in six career at-bats against Escobar.