Oakland @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 17, 2013 ) Houston 5, Oakland 7

The Oakland Athletics look to continue their dominance of the Houston Astros when the teams begin a three-game series at Minute Maid Park on Friday. The Athletics are 11-1 all-time against the Astros, including six straight wins this season. Both clubs have been playing well of late, with Oakland winning five of its last six contests to pull within 5 1/2 games of first-place Texas. Last-place Houston has won four of its past seven, and closer Jose Veras has allowed one hit over his last 11 outings.

The Athletics are eager to get several injured players back in the lineup, including shortstop Jed Lowrie, who missed Wednesday’s game against Texas after getting hit by a pitch on his right foot. He’s expected to return for Friday’s series opener, but outfielder Josh Reddick (wrist) will likely be out at least another week. Houston third baseman Matt Dominguez, who has four home runs over his last 10 games, should return Friday after missing one game with tightness in his left quadriceps.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet-California, Comcast SportsNet-Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Tommy Milone (4-5, 3.47 ERA) vs. Astros LH Erik Bedard (0-2, 6.00)

Milone has tossed at least six innings in seven of his nine starts while suffering from a lack of run support. He ended a career-worst five-game losing streak on Saturday, holding the Royals to one run over six innings. The 26-year-old Milone has allowed 10 of his 26 runs in the first inning, and he owns a 4.94 ERA in four starts away from O.co Coliseum. He’s 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA in two career starts against the Astros.

Bedard turned in his first quality start of the season against the Pirates on Saturday, when he allowed two runs over six innings. The veteran lefty is 4-4 with a 3.49 ERA in 12 career starts against the Athletics, including a dismal outing on April 15 when he gave up a season-high six runs and failed to escape the first inning. He owns a 2.87 ERA in four home games this season compared to an 8.83 ERA in five road appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland RHP Grant Balfour has converted each of his last 27 save opportunities, which is tied for the second longest streak in franchise history.

2. Astros starting pitchers have posted an 0-6 mark with a 12.36 ERA in six games against Oakland this season.

3. The Athletics have three stolen bases this month after recording 25 in April.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Astros 2