Texas @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( May 7, 2013 ) Texas 3, Milwaukee 6

That Ryan Braun doesn’t lead the Milwaukee Brewers in homers rates as a surprise. But it isn’t as big a stunner as Yuniesky Betancourt holding the club lead. Betancourt hit his eighth homer of the campaign in Tuesday’s victory over Texas and he looks to help the Brewers complete a two-game sweep of the Rangers on Wednesday. Betancourt hit seven homers last season but is off to a powerful start and helped Milwaukee end a five-game skid.

Texas has lost six of its last 10 games after Tuesday’s 6-3 defeat. The Rangers have lost four straight road games and are 0-2 to start their nine-game trip. Texas still leads the American League West by 2 1/2 games despite the slide. Milwaukee hadn’t won since April 30 before using a five-run first inning to jumpstart Tuesday's win. Center field Carlos Gomez extended his hitting streak to 13 games and leads the National League with a .364 average.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (2-2, 2.74 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (1-3, 3.16)

Holland struck out a season-best nine while tossing eight shutout innings and beating the Boston Red Sox in his last outing. He pitched seven shutout innings against the Chicago Cubs in his other victory. Holland had 37 strikeouts against 10 walks in 42 2/3 innings. He has never pitched against the Brewers but has retired Betancourt all six at-bats he has faced him.

Lohse allowed season highs for runs (four) and hits (11) while losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in his last start. He also lost his previous outing and has given up three homers over his last two starts. Lohse has struck out 24 and walked only three in 37 innings. He is 3-3 with a 6.66 ERA in 12 career appearances (nine starts) against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braun has a 29-game interleague hitting streak dating back to June 17, 2011.

2. Rangers 1B/OF Lance Berkman is batting .290 with four homers against Lohse.

3. Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez hit his first homer of the season Tuesday. He recently returned from a knee injury.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Brewers 2