Houston @ Oakland preview

Houston at Oakland

Last Meeting ( Aug 14, 2013 ) Houston 2, Oakland 1

After being thoroughly dominated in the all-time series, the Houston Astros have turned the tables on the Oakland Athletics in their latest set. The major league-worst Astros vie for a three-game sweep when the American League West rivals reconvene in Oakland on Thursday. Carlos Corporan ripped the go-ahead RBI double in the 11th inning as Houston posted just its fourth victory in 20 meetings with a 2-1 triumph on Wednesday.

While the Astros' postseason plans were snuffed out long ago, the reigning division-champion Athletics fell two games behind first-place Texas. Chris Young has been snakebitten in this series as Houston left fielder Robbie Grossman's leaping catch denied him of a game-ending homer in the 10th inning on Wednesday. Young's bid for a game-tying blast with two outs in the ninth on Tuesday sailed just wide of the foul pole.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Erik Bedard (3-8, 4.28 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (0-1, 1.80)

After recording five consecutive losses, Bedard collected his second straight no-decision despite posting another quality start. The 34-year-old Ontario native yielded three runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings against the Rangers on Friday. Bedard issued five walks in as many innings on May 24 to take a no-decision versus Oakland.

Gray struggled in his first career start on Saturday, yielding four runs on as many hits in six innings of a loss to Toronto. The 18th overall pick of the 2011 draft, Gray issued three walks after permitting just one in his previous two trips to the mound. Gray has struck out 11 in 10 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland C Derek Norris has missed three games with back spasms but may return to the lineup on Thursday against Bedard.

2. Houston C Jason Castro extended his career-high hitting streak to 12 games with a one-out single in the ninth inning on Wednesday.

3. The Astros have lost the last seven contests that Bedard has pitched.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Astros 2