Houston @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 17, 2018 ) Houston 3, Oakland 4

The Oakland Athletics have been charging toward the top of the American League West and could grab a share of the spot when they host the Houston Astros on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Oakland posted a dramatic 10-inning victory in the series opener to improve to 12-3 in its last 15 contests and climb within one game of first-place Houston.

Pinch-runner Ramon Laureano was ruled safe by video review on Nick Martini's one-out double in the ninth inning to forge a 3-3 tie and Matt Olson led off the 10th with his 23rd home run as the Athletics recorded their major league-leading 11th triumph when trailing after seven frames this season. Alex Bregman and Martin Maldonado belted solo homers for the Astros, who began their nine-game road trip with their sixth loss in seven overall contests. Bregman's blast was his first in 16 games and gave him at least one hit in nine of his last 10. The 24-year-old is tied with Evan Gattis for the team lead in homers with a career-high 23 and tops the club with 75 RBIs - also a personal best.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (9-9, 3.43 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (4-2, 3.39)

Keuchel has settled for no-decisions in his last two starts despite giving up just one earned run in each outing. The 30-year-old native of Oklahoma has lost just once since June 5, registering six victories in 12 turns in that span. Keuchel has split a pair of starts against Oakland this season and is 6-5 with one complete game and a 2.78 ERA in 20 career meetings (18 starts).

Cahill is unbeaten since falling in Boston on May 16, recording three victories and six no-decisions in nine outings. The 30-year-old Californian is 3-0 in seven turns at home, where he has posted a 0.99 ERA against a 6.62 mark on the road. Cahill is 1-1 with a 5.82 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) versus Houston, with the loss and a no-decision taking place this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman is riding a 14-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 19 of his last 20 contests.

2. Houston OF George Springer (thumb) was activated from the 10-day disabled list on Friday and went 1-for-5

3. Oakland 2B Jed Lowrie has registered multi-hit performances in four of his last five games.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Athletics 3