Texas @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2019 ) Texas 0, Oakland 8

The Oakland Athletics continue to receive strong pitching performances as they try to nail down a spot in the postseason. They hope to get another when they host the Texas Rangers on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series.

The Athletics have won nine of their last 10 contests, giving up a total of two runs in their last four victories as they've maintained a two-game lead for the first wild-card spot in the American League. Mike Fiers was the latest Oakland pitcher to turn in an impressive effort, allowing two hits over eight innings in the series opener as the team posted its second straight shutout. Chad Pinder went 2-for-2 with a three-run homer while Mark Canha belted a solo shot and added an RBI double as the Athletics scored in six of their eight innings of an 8-0 victory on Friday. The Rangers have scored a total of four runs over the last four contests of their six-game losing streak after managing only a pair of singles in the series opener.

TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Brock Burke (0-1, 5.19 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (2-0, 0.50)

Burke remains in search of his first major-league victory as he makes the sixth start of his career and second in a row versus Oakland. The 23-year-old native of Illinois escaped with no-decisions after surrendering six runs and six hits - three homers - in each of his last two turns, including one against the Athletics on Sept. 13. Burke worked a total of eight innings in those two outings after permitting a total of three runs while keeping the ball in the park in 18 frames over his first three starts.

Manaea has been superb after missing the first five months of the season due to shoulder surgery, allowing one run over 18 innings in his first three starts of 2019. The 27-year-old from Indiana posted a victory in Texas on Sunday after scattering three hits over six scoreless frames. With the triumph, Manaea improved to 5-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 10 career starts against the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics SS Marcus Semien has hit safely in nine of his last 10 contests - a stretch during which he has recorded five multi-hit performances.

2. Texas purchased the contract of C Tim Federowicz from Triple-A Nashville and transferred OF Joey Gallo (wrist) to the 60-day injured list.

3. Oakland RHP Frankie Montas will be eligible to return to the team on Wednesday after serving an 80-game suspension for violating the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Rangers 1