Astros at Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are trying to repeat as American League West champions, but the cellar-dwelling Houston Astros prevented them from pulling into a first--place tie atop the division. Oakland eyes revenge on Wednesday when it continues its three-game series against visiting Houston. The Athletics remained one game behind Texas after dropping a 5-4 decision in the opener of their nine-game homestand.
While the standings are of lesser concern to the Astros, they were able to snap a six-game losing skid and post their third victory in 19 all-time meetings against Oakland. After nearly being no-hit by Yu Darvish and Texas on Monday, Houston erupted for 11 hits in Tuesday's triumph. The Astros benefitted when Chris Young's bid for a tying homer sailed just wide of the foul pole with two outs in the ninth inning.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), CSNA (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jarred Cosart (1-0, 1.36 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jarrod Parker (8-6, 4.04)
Cosart collected his fourth consecutive no-decision after allowing two runs in five innings against Boston last Wednesday. The 23-year-old permitted five walks for the second time in three outings to drive up his pitch count. Cosart also recorded a no-decision versus Oakland on July 23 despite yielding two runs in seven innings in Houston's 5-4 victory.
Parker posted his second victory in as many outings after allowing three runs in six innings in a 14-6 triumph over Toronto on Friday. The 24-year-old settled for a no-decision in his lone meeting with Houston on July 23, permitting two runs on five hits in seven innings. Parker, who hasn't lost since May 22, has notched a quality start in 14 of his past 16 trips to the mound.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics 3B Josh Donaldson has seven hits in his last four contests.
2. Houston C Jason Castro, who is riding a career-high 11-game hitting streak, had an RBI single in the first inning against Parker on July 23.
3. Oakland OF Coco Crisp was a spectator for the second straight contest as he nurses a sore wrist.