Oakland @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 27, 2018 ) Oakland 4, Houston 11

The Houston Astros delivered the opening salvo in a pivotal three-game series with the Oakland Athletics and look for their seventh consecutive triumph when they host the middle contest on Tuesday. Alex Bregman and Tyler White each recorded a homer and four RBIs as Houston posted an 11-4 victory on Monday to expand its lead over Oakland in the American League West to 2 1/2 games.

Bregman matched his career best of four hits in the series opener and is 15-for-33 with two homers and eight RBIs during his eight-game hitting streak. White is 9-for-22 with two blasts and eight RBIs during his five-game run and has recorded six homers and 19 RBIs in August. The Athletics are 16-7 this month despite the series-opening setback and hold a 4 1/2-game lead over Seattle for the AL's second wild-card spot. Marcus Semien and Matt Chapman hit two-run homers in the opener, and the latter has registered four shots and seven RBIs over his last four games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (4-3, 2.97 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (13-3, 3.05)

Jackson lost to Texas in his last turn as he gave up four runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old has surrendered four homers - and six runs - over 9 1/3 frames in his last two starts after not allowing an earned run over 19 1/3 innings in his previous three outings. Jackson settled for a no-decision against the Astros on Aug. 17, when he gave up two runs and five hits in five frames, and is 2-2 with a 4.11 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) versus the team.

Morton picked up a win against Seattle in his last outing despite allowing a season high-tying six runs and seven hits over five innings. The 34-year-old has thrived at home, going 8-2 with a 3.00 ERA while registering 100 strikeouts in 78 frames. Morton has posted a 2.89 ERA in two no-decisions against the Athletics this season and is 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA in four career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF George Springer (quadriceps) went 1-for-3 with two walks on Monday after missing six consecutive starts.

2. Oakland recalled Daniel Mengden from Triple-A Nashville and optioned fellow RHP Chris Bassitt to the Sounds.

3. Houston C Brian McCann (knee) is finishing a rehab assignment and slated to be activated by Saturday at the latest.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Athletics 3