Oakland @ Texas preview
Globe Life Park in Arlington
Last Meeting ( Jun 17, 2013 ) Oakland 7, Texas 8
The Oakland Athletics have taken advantage of the Texas Rangers’ struggles in June to establish a three-game lead in the American League West – a margin they will try to stretch Wednesday when the division rivals continue their four-game set in Texas. The Athletics used homers from Brandon Moss and John Jaso in Tuesday’s 6-2 win over the Rangers. Oakland’s 22 home runs in June are second-most in the AL, trailing only the Boston Red Sox (25).
One game after seemingly breaking out of a long offensive slump, the Rangers were held to two runs or fewer for the seventh time in eight games. Texas is 1-7 over that stretch and 5-12 in June, allowing Oakland to reverse the three-game advantage the Rangers held in the division at the end of May. The Rangers have scored a total of 10 runs in their last seven losses, but may have dodged a scare Tuesday when Ian Kinsler only required stitches near his jaw after a collision at home plate.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland), Fox Sports Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Tommy Milone (6-6, 3.61 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Justin Grimm (5-5, 5.59)
Milone took the loss in Friday’s 3-2 home setback against the Seattle Mariners despite allowing two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings. The left-hander – who is 1-1 with a 2.18 ERA in three June starts – has endured his share of struggles in eight road outings, going 3-3 with a 4.53 ERA. Milone, who has surrendered at least one home run in a career-high five consecutive games, is 0-2 with a 2.50 ERA in three career starts against the Rangers.
Grimm fell to 0-2 with an 11.40 ERA in his last three starts after allowing seven runs and 10 hits in a career-high 7 2/3 innings in Friday’s 8-0 home loss against the Toronto Blue Jays. The former Boston Red Sox farmhand has permitted five or more runs in four of his last eight outings, including a May 13 start against the Athletics. Grimm has only made one other career appearance against Oakland, allowing a run over three relief innings last September.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics are a league-best 25-11 since May 11.
2. Rangers starters haven’t recorded a victory in the last 17 games – breaking a team record set in 1975.
3. Oakland is 11-0 in games in which Moss hits a home run.
PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Rangers 3