Texas @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 1, 2012 ) Texas 3, Oakland 4

The Texas Rangers have enjoyed sole possession of first place in the American League West since April 9, but that could change if they lose a second straight game to the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday. Oakland won the series opener Monday to clinch a postseason berth and move within a game of the Rangers for the division title. The Athletics, who must win the remaining two games to win the division, also climbed into a tie with Baltimore for the wild card lead.

Oakland has won four straight and six of seven. The Athletics trailed the Rangers by 13 games on June 2 but have posted a major league-best 70-38 record since that time. Texas has lost five of its last seven but will wrap up its third straight AL West crown with one win. The Rangers have a decided edge in the pitching matchup, sending 18-game winner Matt Harrison to the mound against Travis Blackley, who has pitched a total of three innings in his last two starts.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), CS California (Oakland)
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PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Matt Harrison (18-10, 3.26 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Travis Blackley (5-4, 4.25)

Harrison beat Blackley and Oakland in his last start, although he was not exceptionally sharp in giving up four runs on seven hits in six innings. He is 2-0 in three starts against the Athletics this season to improve to 6-1 with a 4.13 ERA in 12 appearances (nine starts) against them. Harrison has been outstanding on the road this season, logging a 10-6 record and 3.03 ERA in 17 starts.

Blackley's last two spot starts have been a disaster. He lasted only one inning against the Rangers on Thursday, giving up five runs on five hits - including two homers. He wasn't much better in his previous outing against the New York Yankees, getting yanked after surrendering four runs on five hits in only two innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Harrison can become the first left-hander in franchise history to win 19 games.

2. The Athletics are a season-high 24 games over .500. They haven't been that many games over .500 since the end of the 2006 season - the last time they made the playoffs..

3. Oakland RHP Grant Balfour has converted 16 consecutive save opportunities since reclaiming the closer's role in mid-August.