Athletics at Rangers
The Texas Rangers go for a sweep of their two-game series with the
Oakland Athletics when they host their American League West rivals
Thursday. Texas had lost four of six before Yu Darvish led it to a 4-1
triumph over Oakland on Wednesday. Darvish improved to 4-0 at home with 7
2/3 strong innings and Adrian Beltre belted a two-run homer as the
Rangers snapped their two-game skid.
Texas slugger Josh Hamilton
failed to homer for the fourth straight contest but recorded two singles
to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. Hamilton could be given
Thursday off as Rangers manager Ron Washington has rested many of his
regulars over the last few contests. Oakland has won five of eight
overall on the road but only one of its last nine visits to Texas. The
Rangers have captured 13 of the last 15 overall meetings between the
clubs.
TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, CS California (Oakland), FS Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Brandon McCarthy (3-3, 2.56 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Matt Harrison (4-3, 5.23)
McCarthy,
who will be seeking his fourth consecutive victory, has allowed two
earned runs or fewer in seven of his eight starts this year. In his last
outing, the 28-year-old scattered four hits and struck out a career
high-tying 10 over seven scoreless innings versus Detroit. McCarthy has
struggled against his former team, going 1-4 with a 4.06 ERA in nine
games - seven starts.
Harrison has lost three of his last four
starts, including a defeat against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday in
which he allowed four runs in six innings. He has surrendered three or
more runs in each of his last five outings after yielding a total of one
run in 14 frames over his first two starts. Harrison is 4-1 with a 4.10
ERA and one shutout in nine career games - six starts - against
Oakland.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics third baseman
Brandon Inge is likely to be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a
sore right groin, which has kept him sidelined for four games.
2.
To make room on the roster for the recently acquired Travis Blackley,
Oakland optioned right-hander Andrew Carignan to Triple-A Sacramento.
Carignan went 1-1 with a 7.11 ERA in seven relief appearances this year.
3.
Rangers right-hander Mike Adams made an appearance Wednesday despite
battling a bronchial infection. Adams struck out the only batter he
faced.