Houston @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 15, 2013 ) Houston 2, Oakland 11

The Houston Astros have received a rude welcome to the American League by the Oakland Athletics, who have dominated the first four meetings between the teams. Oakland has outscored the Astros 34-11 in four straight wins, including an 11-2 rout in Monday’s series opener. At 10-4, Oakland is off to its best start since 1992, while Houston has lost three straight games and stands 3-4 on its nine-game West Coast road trip.

Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick, off to a 4-for-37 start, is expected to return to the lineup after being giving a day off Monday. Center fielder Coco Crisp returned Monday after missing two games with a strained groin and went 1-for-3 to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. Crisp is batting .386 during the streak. The Astros are hoping catcher Jason Castro can provide a similar spark while hitting third in the order. Castro is batting .217, but manager Bo Porter wants to give him an extended look near the top of the lineup.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston, Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (1-1, 4.82 ERA) vs. Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (2-0, 1.93)

Peacock is set to face Oakland for the second time this season after giving up two runs over 4 1/3 innings in his season debut on April 5. He allowed three runs in five innings against Seattle in his second start Wednesday. The 25-year-old Peacock, who is 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA in five career major league appearances, was acquired from Oakland during the off-season as part of the deal that sent Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez to the Athletics.

Griffin turned in a stellar outing against the Angels on Thursday, allowing one run over eight innings and moving to 9-1 in 17 career starts. The nine wins match the most in Oakland history by a pitcher over the first 17 games of his career. Griffin, who is making his first career appearance against the Astros, holds a 4-0 record with a 3.19 ERA at O.co Coliseum. Known for his control, Griffin has allowed three walks in his first 14 innings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros are 0-8 when their opponent scores first.

2. Lowrie has gone 9-for-17 with two homers and seven RBIs in four games against his former team.

3. The Athletics are 10-0 when scoring at least four runs.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Astros 3