Texas @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( May 14, 2013 ) Texas 6, Oakland 5

The Texas Rangers have finally snapped their skid in Oakland and look to win the series from the Athletics in Wednesday’s finale of the three-game set. Texas had lost five straight games in Oakland – and nine of 11 – until recording a 6-5 victory in 10 innings over the Athletics on Tuesday. The victory moved the Rangers’ American League West lead to six games over Oakland. The Athletics have lost seven of their last nine games.

Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland hit homers in the 10th as Texas won for the eighth time in 11 games. Moreland has three homers in the series and six over his last nine games. Closer Joe Nathan allowed a 10th-inning run before escaping for the 310th career save, tying Hall of Fame Goose Gossage for 19th on the all-time list. Oakland is considering activating center field Coco Crisp prior to Wednesday’s contest. Crisp has been sidelined since April 29 because of a hamstring injury.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Alexi Ogando (3-2, 3.09 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Dan Straily (1-1, 7.06)

Ogando has allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his eight starts. Despite his strong work, he has one win over his last six outings. Ogando took a no-decision in his last outing against the Houston Astros when he allowed two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. He lost his lone career start against Oakland back in 2011 when he gave up five runs (three earned) and six hits in five innings.

Straily allowed six runs for the second time in three starts when he lost to Seattle in his last outing. He gave up six hits and walked four in five innings. Straily won his lone start against the Rangers last season when he gave up two runs (one earned) and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. He could be sent down later this week when Brett Anderson is activated.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland CF Yoenis Cespedes is in a 2-for-26 slump over his last seven contests.

2. Rangers RHP Tanner Scheppers improved to 3-0 on Tuesday and has allowed one run in 20 innings over 17 appearances.

3. Athletics C John Jaso is 4-for-5 against Ogando.

PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Athletics 6