AP Sports Preview: Angels at Rangers ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — The Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night at Globe Life Park, aiming to build momentum in a tightly contested American League West race. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. Texas (46-45) enters two games above .500 and fresh off an 8-3 victory over the Angels on Tuesday, a game that saw right-hander Jacob deGrom earn the win. Los Angeles (36-56) has lost eight of its last 10 and sits in last place. The pitching matchup features two right-handers who faced each other Tuesday. DeGrom (8-4) will start for Texas after allowing two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts over five innings in that outing. Over his last five starts, deGrom has a 2.70 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 30 innings, though he has shown vulnerability, surrendering six runs in a June 19 win over San Diego. Los Angeles counters with Jose Soriano (3-8), who took the loss Tuesday despite a solid effort: two runs on two hits with four strikeouts over six innings. Soriano has been inconsistent, posting a 5.40 ERA over his last five starts. He threw five scoreless innings in a June 13 win over Tampa Bay but gave up five runs in three innings against Baltimore on June 24. This is the third game of a four-game series. The Angels won Wednesday’s contest 1-0, snapping a three-game skid. Texas won the opener 8-3. The teams split a three-game series in Anaheim in May, with Los Angeles taking two of three. Both bullpens are well-rested after Wednesday’s low-scoring affair. The Angels’ offense continues to struggle, averaging 2.6 runs over their last seven games. The Rangers have been steadier, scoring four or more runs in five of their last seven. The Interstat game simulator projects a 6-2 Texas victory. After this series, the Rangers host the Houston Astros for three games beginning Friday. The Angels travel to Minnesota for a three-game set against the Twins.