The Houston Astros look to build off their unlikely comeback victory when they host the American League West-leading Oakland Athletics in the rubber match of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon. Houston staged a three-run rally against All-Star Grant Balfour in the ninth inning Tuesday to post a 5-4 victory, its first win over Oakland in 11 tries this season. Matt Dominguez belted a game-tying two-run homer and rookie Jonathan Villar scored the winning run on an error to hand Balfour his first blown save in 45 opportunities and help the Astros snap a 12-game slide versus the Athletics.
The victory halted Houston's six-game overall slide and improved it to 2-15 in the all-time series. Oakland maintained its three-game division lead over Texas, however, as Rangers All-Star closer Joe Nathan also blew a save Tuesday in a loss to the New York Yankees. The Athletics are now just 28-27 on the road as opposed to their stellar 30-15 home record.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (8-7, 3.82 ERA) vs. Astros RH Bud Norris (6-9, 3.91)
Griffin had his three-game winning streak snapped his last time out, when he allowed four runs on six hits - including a season high-tying three home runs - at the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. It was the first loss for the 25-year-old since June 15, when he dropped a home decision against Seattle. Griffin also served up three homers at Houston on May 25 but came away with a victory despite yielding four runs in 5 2/3 frames.
Norris looks to snap a two-game skid as he makes what could be his final start for the Astros. The subject of trade rumors, he surrendered a total of 13 runs and 17 hits over 10 2/3 innings in his last two outings. The 28-year-old fell to 0-2 lifetime against the Athletics on April 17, when he was tagged for six runs on five hits and three walks while retiring only two batters at Oakland.
WALK-OFFS
1. Balfour's blown save was his first since April 29, 2012 at Baltimore. His 44-game streak is the sixth-longest in major-league history.
2. Houston CF Brandon Barnes is questionable after leaving Tuesday's game prior to the seventh inning with a strained left calf.
3. Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes, who missed the previous four games with a sore left wrist, went 1-for-2 after entering Tuesday's contest as a pinch hitter and remaining as the team's designated hitter.
PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Astros 4