Oakland @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 6, 2018 ) Oakland 2, Texas 8

The Texas Rangers' pitching staff finally kept Cleveland in check in the finale of their three-game series after being battered for 25 runs over the first two contests. Texas hopes for another strong performance Monday as it begins a four-game home set against the American League West-rival Oakland Athletics.

Yovani Gallardo combined with three relievers on a five-hitter while Rougned Odor went 3-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs on Sunday as the Rangers recorded a 5-0 victory to end their four-game losing streak. It was the third consecutive multi-hit performance for Odor, who has gone 9-for-16 over his last four contests. Oakland is coming off its 11th win in 15 games, a 6-5 triumph over San Francisco in 10 innings on Sunday in which Khris Davis and Matt Olson each homered twice before Matt Chapman delivered a walk-off single. The hit by Chapman, who is 7-for-17 in his last four contests, made a winner of Jeurys Familia as the right-handed reliever worked two scoreless frames in his debut after being acquired from the New York Mets on Saturday.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (1-2, 6.08 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Cole Hamels (5-8, 4.36)

Anderson lasted only 3 1/3 innings at San Francisco on July 14, but escaped with a no-decision as he limited the damage to three runs despite yielding eight hits. The 30-year-old Texan fared much better in his previous turn at Cleveland on July 8, notching the win after scattering three hits over five scoreless frames in his return from a shoulder injury that had shelved him since May 18. Anderson has struggled against Texas in his career, going 1-4 with a 6.02 ERA in eight starts and three relief appearances.

Hamels halted his personal two-start skid on July 13 as he registered the victory at Baltimore despite surrendering four runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old Californian has been hit hard over his last four turns, yielding 22 runs and 28 hits in only 17 frames. Hamels has posted a 3-4 record and 3.96 ERA in nine career starts against Oakland, including a 1-1 mark and 2.38 ERA this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Joey Gallo exited Sunday's win with a slightly sprained left ankle, but is not expected to miss much - if any - time.

2. Oakland optioned LHP Jeremy Bleich to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday to make room on the roster for Familia.

3. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre is one homer away from tying Chipper Jones (468) for 33rd place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Athletics 5