Houston @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( May 12, 2013 ) Texas 12, Houston 7

Adrian Beltre is fresh off his first multihomer game of the season – and 24th of his career – as the Texas Rangers open a three-game home series Friday against the Houston Astros. Beltre hadn’t homered since June 9 before belting two long ones to center field on Thursday to pass Joe DiMaggio on the all-time homers list with 362. Houston’s Brett Wallace also went deep twice Thursday against Tampa Bay, but the Astros finished 2-7 on their homestand.

The Astros, who have the worst record in the majors, won’t play at home again until July 19 as they embark on an eight-game trip prior to the All-Star break. Wallace had four RBIs in Thursday’s loss and has three homers and nine RBIs in eight games since being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 25. Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin has recorded at least one hit in 16 of his last 17 games and tied a franchise record by stealing bases in six consecutive games before being unable to attempt one in Thursday’s win over Seattle.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston, KTXA (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lucas Harrell (5-8, 4.59 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Nick Tepesch (3-6, 4.71)

Harrell received a no-decision in his last outing despite limiting the Los Angeles Angels to one run and six hits over seven innings. He was torched by the St. Louis Cardinals in his previous turn, allowing seven runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. Harrell is 1-2 with a 3.71 ERA in three career starts against Texas, including a loss April 2 when he gave up one run and six hits in six innings.

Tepesch last won against Houston on May 12 and has since gone 0-3 in an eight-start span. He gave up one run and four hits in six innings in the victory over the Astros. Tepesch has allowed five or more runs five times this season, going 0-4 in those starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas RHP Joe Nathan has converted 12 consecutive save opportunities and is 28-for-29 on the season.

2. Astros 1B Carlos Pena has 12 homers in 64 career games against the Rangers.

3. Beltre is 5-for-10 with four RBIs against Harrell.

PREDICTION: Rangers 13, Astros 5