(SportsNetwork.com) - Not much has gone right for the Texas Rangers this season. One silver lining, though, has been the emergence of right-hander Nick Martinez.
Martinez goes after his third win on Sunday when Texas concludes its three- game set with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium.
The 24-year-old hurler did not get a decision on Tuesday in Arizona, but it was through no fault of his own, as he surrendered a run and five hits in six innings of his team's 7-1 win.
The run he allowed was the only earned one he has yielded in 20 innings this season and is pitching to a 0.45 ERA. Martinez' 15 scoreless frames to start the year matched Kevin Brown (1992) for the third-longest season-opening streak by a starter in Rangers history.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, will turn to lefty Hector Santiago, who has won his last two starts. Santiago improved to 2-1 on Tuesday against Oakland, as he allowed a run and three hits in six innings to lower his ERA to 2.45. He also struck out eight and walked three batters in the win.
"Everything was working tonight, all five or six pitches that I throw, I threw for strikes," said Santiago."
Santiago has faced the Rangers 11 times (8 starts) and is 4-2 against them with a 4.00 ERA.
Los Angeles won its third straight game on Saturday, as C.J. Cron and Albert Pujols each knocked in two runs during the Angels' 4-1 victory. Kole Calhoun went 3-for-4 for the Angels, who have won four of five.
C.J. Wilson allowed one run on seven hits while striking out four and walking three over 5 2/3 innings. Vinny Pestano (1-0) got the win after recording the final out in the sixth.
Colby Lewis (1-2) gave up two runs on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks over five-plus innings for the Rangers, who have lost three straight.
"Colby gave us enough. He put zeros on the board," said Rangers manager Jeff Banister.
Texas lost two of three games to the Angels in Arlington from April 13-15. The Angels have won 15 of the last 19 meetings between the AL West foes.
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