The Rangers must have been glad to exit Seattle, a team they have had no luck against at all lately. They have fared better against the Angels although neither team has played well lately. The Angels did win their last series, their first in a long time. Martin Perez (8-2 2.59) starts for the road Rangers. Perez lost his way for a couple of starts in what has been a very impressive season, but in his last two appearances he has given up just 2 runs over 12 innings. He faces the Rangers’ lefty Sandoval, who is 0-5, 4.75 ERA in his last 5 starts. Sandoval’s last two outing were very short, giving up more than a run an inning. He has been hit very hard in July.

The Angels’ bats stepped up briefly after a very long poor stretch, but appear to be back in the doldrums on Thursday night with 0 runs over 8 innings. Perez, when he is on, is hard to score against. The Rangers’ bats have also been sluggish, but will have their chances on Friday if Sandoval continues his present form. Take the Rangers to win on the road. 10*