Texas @ Houston preview

Texas at Houston

Last Meeting ( Aug 10, 2013 ) Texas 5, Houston 4

By rallying to win the first two games of their series with the Houston Astros, the Texas Rangers raised their total to 36 comeback wins in 2013 - only one fewer than the Astros' overall victory amount for the year. The Rangers try to exploit the mismatch once again when they go for their eighth straight triumph in Houston on Sunday. Texas has won six in a row and 11 of 12 to take a one-game lead over Oakland in the American League West.

The Astros, who have the worst record in baseball at 37-78, have dropped four straight and eight of nine. Texas has won nine of 11 meetings this season and is one the verge of its seventh straight series win in Houston. The Rangers may have found the piece they were missing with slugger Nelson Cruz suspended, as newly acquired outfielder Alex Rios knocked in the tying run and scored to put Texas ahead on Saturday.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), CSN (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (4-3, 3.81 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (5-6, 4.96)

Perez picked up his first win since July 9 when he beat the Angels last time out, allowing two runs over 6 1/3 innings. He wasn't terribly efficient, striking out seven and walking four while throwing a season-high 111 pitches. The 22-year-old is facing Houston for the first time.

Keuchel returns to the rotation after two relief outings last week, including one in which he was tagged for four runs while recording only two outs. His last start didn't go much better, as he allowed six runs on 10 hits over 7 1/3 innings at Toronto but got enough support to pick up the win. The 25-year-old southpaw is looking for his first decision versus the Rangers after posting a 2.70 ERA in two starts against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas has won 17 of the last 20 meetings in Houston and leads the all-time series 27-16 at Minute Maid Park.

2. Astros C Jason Castro is riding a career-high 10-game hitting streak and has recorded three straight multi-hit performances.

3. The Rangers are 35-14 against AL West opponents, the best winning percentage within their division of any team in the majors.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Astros 4