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What’s On The Line: Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers

By Michael Natelli

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The Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers begin a four-game set on Thursday that will ultimately go a long way towards shaping up both the American League West race and the race for one of two American League Wild Card spots. The Rangers currently hold the top spot in the West, with the Astros 2.5 games back and the Angels three back.

So what’s on the line for both clubs tonight?

Rangers:

A win by the Rangers knocks the Angels out of the race for the division title, making it a two-horse race between Texas and Houston. The win alone would knock down the Rangers’ magic number to 1, though a loss by Houston Friday in addition to a Texas win would allow the Rangers to clinch the division title.

The Rangers control their own destiny, as they can win the division regardless of what happens with Houston if they take at least two wins in the four-game set against the Angels.

Angels:

The Angels still control their own destiny entering Thursday as well, as a sweep of the Rangers would give them an 87-win season, winning them the division. The Astros also enter Thursday with a shot to reach 87 wins if they win out, though L.A. holds the tiebreaker after winning the season set against Houston.

If the Angels lose a game, however, their shot at the division is done. They would then have to outplay Houston in the final three, winning two more than the Astros in the final three if Houston wins Friday, or winning one more if Houston loses their series opener on Friday.

Andrew Heaney (6-3, 3.29 ERA) goes opposite Derek Holland (3-3, 4.99 ERA), and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 CST.

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