Los Angeles at Texas

LA has lost five straight including a 7-0 whooping at the hands of the Dodgers yesterday. It was the first ever sweep at the hands of their cross-town rival. That's how bad it is for the Angels right now. It doesn't get any easier tonight as they travel to Arlington. They start Kelvim Escobar who has performned very well this season. But, he's just 8-19 vs. winning teams over the past two seasons. Also, road underdogs allowing 5.2 or more runs/game are just 27-78 (26%) over the last 5 seasons during May. Texas has allowed 8, 16, 8, and 7 runs in their last four games. Both teams are off shut-out losses but this situation strongly favors Texas. Teams that allowed 7 runs or more 2 straight games facing an opponent off a shut out loss are 22-44 (33%) since 1997. The Angels have been outscored by 4.4 runs per game over their last seven games. That's about as bad as it gets. The public is putting too much emphasis on the starting pitching here. Ride that wave and take the Rangers at home.