Houston @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 8, 2016 ) Houston 3, Texas 1

The Houston Astros ended their long losing streak against Texas and have the opportunity to earn a split of their four-game series when they visit the Rangers for the finale on Thursday afternoon. The Astros recorded a 3-1 victory on Wednesday to defeat Texas for the first time in nine meetings this season while also halting a 12-game skid at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Houston's Jose Altuve delivered the tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh inning, raising his average to .418 over his last 14 games. Teammate George Springer hit his team-leading 14th homer as part of a two-hit performance after being hitless in 12 at-bats over his previous three games. The Rangers had their five-game winning streak halted on Wednesday and may be without third baseman Adrian Beltre in the finale after he departed in the eighth inning with tightness in his left hamstring. Red-hot Texas has won 14 of its last 18 games and is tied with Washington for the second-best record in the majors at 36-23.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Houston), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Collin McHugh (5-4, 4.97 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (4-4, 3.24)

McHugh is unbeaten against the Rangers with a 4-0 record and 3.99 ERA in five career starts, but he has posted a 5.59 ERA - and one win - in two outings in Arlington. The 28-year-old native of Illinois has experienced major difficulties with Prince Fielder (8-for-11) and Beltre (6-for-14). McHugh received a no-decision against Oakland in his last turn, when he gave up four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Perez has won three consecutive starts, posting a solid 2.50 ERA during the stretch. All three of those victories occurred at home, where the 25-year-old Venezuelan is 4-1 with a 2.55 ERA in seven outings this season. Perez is 4-2 with a 1.71 ERA in six career starts against the Astros but has been hit hard by Evan Gattis (5-for-9) and Altuve (7-for-18, four doubles).

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers rookie RF Nomar Mazara is 7-for-12 in the series and 12-for-27 during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. Houston SS Carlos Correa is hitless in 11 at-bats this series and just 1-for-23 in his last six contests against the Rangers.

3. Texas LF Josh Hamilton underwent reconstructive knee surgery to repair his left ACL on Wednesday - his third procedure on the knee in 10 months.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Astros 5