Angels-Rangers Preview

C.J. Wilson's career seems to have peaked in his last season with Texas, and part of the reason he hasn't duplicated that stat line is because he now has to face the Rangers.

Opposing former teammate Colby Lewis, however, could help get Wilson in the win column Sunday night when the Los Angeles Angels try to complete a three-game sweep in Texas.

In nine career starts versus the Rangers, Wilson (6-6, 3.78 ERA) is 1-2 with a 6.59 ERA - his highest against any team he's made more than one start against. He's been even less effective in five visiting starts at Arlington with a 0-1 record and a 9.70 ERA that is easily his worst at any active stadium.

Prince Fielder (7 for 15 with a home run) and Elvis Andrus (10 for 24 with a home run) have been the most successful against him, but Adam Rosales (3 for 24), Shin-soo Choo (2 for 15) and Leonys Martin (2 for 13) have struggled.

Beyond mastering the Rangers, the left-hander is seeking some consistency. He earned the win after limiting the New York Yankees to a run and five hits in six innings of Monday's 4-1 victory, but allowed at least five runs in three of his previous five starts.

Wilson squared off with Lewis in the Angels' 4-1 home win April 25, though he didn't earn the decision after giving up a run, seven hits and three walks in 5 2-3 innings. Lewis (8-3, 4.13) suffered the loss after surrendering two runs and four hits in five innings for his fifth straight defeat in the series with a 9.59 ERA.

"It's always fun going against former teammates," Lewis told MLB's official website. "Seeing those guys brings back memories, but it's not like C.J. is going to step in the (batter's) box. I don't have to worry about facing him.

"He's got to do his job and I have to do mine."

Kole Calhoun (8 for 16 with a home run), Albert Pujols (7 for 17 with two homers) and Mike Trout (8 for 22 with two homers and two triples) have highlighted that damage.

The right-hander hasn't been great lately, but he also hasn't allowed over three earned runs during a six-start unbeaten streak. Lewis gave up five runs - three earned - and six hits in six innings of Tuesday's 8-6 victory in Baltimore - enough to earn the win. His run-support average of 7.90 has helped him go 4-0 on his unbeaten run.

The Angels (43-38) have thus far in the series made a strong argument for not missing Josh Hamilton. After Saturday's 13-0 victory, they've outscored the Rangers 21-2 to secure their fifth straight series win in Texas.

Calhoun homered and is 12 for 23 in the season series. C.J. Cron was 3 for 4 with a home run and six RBIs to up his career average to .403 in 17 games against the Rangers.

"We created a lot of good situations, and when guys got on into scoring position, we were hitting the ball," manager Mike Scioscia said. "It all added up to an incredible offensive night."

Since the start of 2014, the Angels have won 20 of 27 in the series and 13 of 15 in Arlington. They've also won seven of nine overall behind a 1.57 staff ERA.

The Rangers (41-41), meanwhile, have scored six runs while dropping three of four and are in danger of falling under .500 for the first time since being 24-25 on May 29.

Hamilton figures to be back in the lineup after taking Saturday off.

Andrus is in a 1-for-21 slump.