Texas @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( May 11, 2013 ) Texas 8, Houston 7

The Texas Rangers look to complete a sweep of the three-game series and continue their domination of the Houston Astros in Sunday’s finale at Minute Maid Park. Texas has won 18 of its last 22 against the Astros after Saturday’s 8-7 victory. Outfielder Nelson Cruz has homered in both games of the series and former Houston standout Lance Berkman continues to punish his former franchise. The Astros have lost nine of 11 games.

Houston third baseman Matt Dominguez hit his first two homers of the season Saturday. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is 1-of-7 in the series after going 16-for-41 in a nine-game span. Texas has won four straight games and has a five-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West. Berkman had two hits Saturday and is 9-for-18 in five games against Houston this season. He extended his Minute Maid Park homer record to 157 with a seventh-inning shot to left-center field.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), Comcast SportsNet Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Tepesch (2-3, 4.50 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (1-0, 4.50)

Tepesch has lost his last two outings and has allowed 10 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings during the stretch. He has given up one earned run in both his two victories and four or more in each of his losses. Tepesch is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA in three road outings. He has issued six walks in his last two starts after walking three in his first 21 1/3 innings.

Lyles has pitched five innings and fanned six in each of his two starts this season. He beat the Los Angeles Angels while allowing three runs and four hits in his last outing. Lyles is 0-3 with a 6.85 ERA in four career starts against the Rangers. Texas batters are hitting .343 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas is 13-5 against AL West foes.

2. The Astros are 6-15 at home and their overall record of 10-27 is the worst in the majors.

3. Berkman has a 17-game hitting streak at Minute Maid Park.

PREDICTION: Rangers 12, Astros 6