The Los Angeles Angels trail the Texas Rangers by four games in the American League West, but these two teams play seven times in the next two weeks, including a four-game series beginning Monday night in Anaheim. The Angels return home after a 2-4 road trip against the Yankees and Blue Jays, while Texas has won six of their last seven and eight of their last 10 contests.
Rookie Garrett Richards gets the start for the Angels, his second big league start and his home debut. The 23-year old allowed six run in four innings against the Yankees on Wednesday in his major league debut in The Bronx.
Alexi Ogando starts for Texas, looking for his 12th win of the season. Ogando is 11-5 with a 3.22 ERA on the season, but he hasn't pitched since Tuesday, when he allowed six runs in under three innings against Seattle. Ogando has two wins in two starts against the Angels this season, allowing a total of one run.
The Angels are 5-4 this season against the Rangers, including winning two of three in Anaheim from July 19-21. The Angels are 32-25 at home this season. The Angels have won seven straight home series.
Monday's 7:05 p.m. game will be televised by KCOP. For more news and information on the Angels, or on Monday's game, be sure to read Halos Heaven.