Oakland @ Texas preview

Oakland at Texas

Last Meeting ( Sep 14, 2013 ) Oakland 1, Texas 0

After combining for 17 runs in a wild series opener, the Oakland Athletics needed just one in the set's middle contest to defeat the Texas Rangers and extend their lead in the American League West. Whether it's a 9-8 slugfest or a 1-0 pitchers' duel, the visiting Athletics are equipped to win either style of game as they vie for a series sweep and their 16th victory in 20 outings on Sunday. Josh Donaldson scored the game's lone run on Saturday and extended his career-best hitting streak to 10 contests as Oakland expanded its division lead to 5 1/2 games with 14 to play.

"From now on, every game is a must-win situation," Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus said. "The division is what we all want. We don't want a wild card. ... We've got to keep fighting." Andrus' comments aside, Texas has been tumbling out of the AL West picture after dropping five straight and 10 of 12.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Jarrod Parker (11-6, 3.55 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (9-4, 3.60)

Parker posted his eighth straight quality start on Tuesday after allowing a pair of solo homers among seven hits in six innings of a no-decision versus Minnesota. The 24-year-old last tasted defeat on May 22 - against Texas, no less - and owns an impressive 6-1 mark versus the Rangers. Parker permitted two runs in six innings against Texas on both Aug. 3 and Sept. 4 to walk away victorious both times.

Perez saw his six-start winning streak come to an end on Tuesday after yielding four runs on nine hits in five innings against Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old Venezuelan, who absorbed his first loss since July 21, pitched a gem against Oakland on Sept. 3 - allowing one run in seven strong innings of a 5-1 triumph. Despite his impressive record, Perez is just 2-2 at home while allowing opponents to bat .295 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Donaldson is 17-for-38 (.447) with three homers, 10 RBIs and 11 runs scored during his hitting streak.

2. Texas C/DH A.J. Pierzynski has collected six hits - including three doubles - in his last five contests. He is just 1-for-9 against Parker this season.

3. Oakland OF Yoenis Cespedes saw his eight-game hitting streak come to an end on Saturday, but is 2-for-3 against Perez this season.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Athletics 2