Rangers at Athletics
The Texas Rangers return to Oakland on Monday for the first time since their epic 2012 collapse that allowed the Athletics to win the American League West and relegated the Rangers to the AL wild-card game. Oakland’s three-game sweep included a final-day victory to overtake the Rangers. Texas is certainly the better club so far this season. The Rangers have won seven of their last nine contests and have a six-game lead over the Athletics.
Oakland is struggling along with losses in six of its last seven games. The Athletics are opening a three-game homestand after going 3-7 on a 10-game road excursion. Oakland is just 7-16 since winning 12 of its first 16 games. Texas defeated Houston 12-7 on Sunday for its fourth straight win. Third baseman Adrian Beltre went 4-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs and has driven in 12 runs over the last 10 games. “He’s been swinging the bat well and the average is climbing and RBIs are starting to pile up,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “He’s my RBI guy, so I’m very happy.”
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Justin Grimm (2-2, 3.45 ERA) vs. Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (3-3, 3.83)
Grimm has lost back-to-back starts after winning his previous two outings. He allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings while losing to Milwaukee in his last start. Grimm has 31 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings. He gave up one run in a three-inning relief stint last season in his only career outing against Oakland.
Griffin has lost three of his last four starts. He allowed two homers in each of the three defeats and has given up only one in his other four outings. Griffin allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 6 2/3 innings while falling to Cleveland in his last turn. He had a 4.15 ERA in two no-decisions against Texas last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland went 7-2 at home against the Rangers last season.
2. Beltre has 24 career homers against the Athletics.
3. Oakland’s Brandon Moss struck out four times in Sunday’s loss to Seattle and is 2-for-23 with 11 strikeouts over his past six games.