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Rangers tab Gallardo for ALDS opener, Hamels to start Game 2

Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers right-hander Yovani Gallardo will look to continue his recent success against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon when he takes the mound for Game 1 of the American League Division Series at Rogers Centre.

Rangers manager Jeff Banister also confirmed Tuesday that left-hander Cole Hamels, who hurled a complete game against the Los Angeles Angels in his final start of the regular season, will start Game 2 on Friday afternoon.

Gallardo, who will take the mound opposite David Price on Thursday, didn't allow a run in two starts against Toronto during the regular season, giving up just six hits and five walks while fanning six over 13 2/3 combined innings. The 29-year-old came within two outs of a complete-game shutout June 27 in Toronto, leading Texas to a 4-0 win, and logged another 5 1/3 scoreless frames in a 4-1 victory over the Jays at Globe Life Park on Aug. 27.

Hamels, meanwhile, crafted a 3.66 ERA in 12 starts after joining the Rangers ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but hasn't faced the Blue Jays since making his American League debut. A three-time All-Star, Hamels has pitched at Rogers Centre just once before, allowing four earned runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings back in 2009.

The Blue Jays have yet to announce their Game 2 starter, but will likely opt for either right-hander Marcus Stroman or veteran knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.

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