Orioles at Rangers
The Texas Rangers have benefited from the big inning on two occasions and have been done in by it on another heading into Sunday's series finale against the visiting Baltimore Orioles. After erupting for a five-run sixth on Thursday, Texas bounced back from a four-homer, nine-run seventh the following night by igniting a sixth-run frame in an 8-4 victory on Saturday.
Rougned Odor recorded a two-run single in Saturday's seventh inning and has collected five hits, four RBIs and three runs scored in the series for the Rangers, who have won six of their last seven meetings with the Orioles. Baltimore's Manny Machado homered in the first inning to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 11 games but has been limited to just four singles in 15 career at-bats versus Sunday starter Derek Holland. Adam Jones and Chris Davis also went deep on Saturday for the Orioles, who lead the American League with 23 homers. The Rangers, conversely, have seen a league-high 22 balls leave the park this season.
TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Mike Wright (1-0, 7.20) vs. Rangers LH Derek Holland (1-0, 2.31)
Wright didn't exactly put his best foot forward in his first start of the season, but Baltimore's potent offense bailed him out of hot water. The 26-year-old allowed four runs and five hits in as many innings of a 9-5 victory at Boston on Tuesday for his fourth career win. Wright, who has yet to face Texas, is auditioning to remain in the rotation after Kevin Gausman (shoulder) makes his expected return to the club later this month.
Holland followed a mediocre performance in his first start with a stellar one on Tuesday, scattering four hits over 6 2/3 innings en route to an 8-0 shellacking of Seattle. The 29-year-old has flustered the Orioles in his career, improving to 5-2 with a 2.94 ERA after allowing just three hits and striking out 11 in a dominating shutout last season. Davis has struggled mightily against Holland, going 1-for-11 with eight strikeouts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas CF Delino DeShields is 11-for-22 with one homer, three RBIs and six runs scored in his last five games.
2. Orioles SS J.J. Hardy is riding a six-game hitting streak but is 2-for-13 lifetime versus Holland.
3. Rangers RHP Yu Darvish is expected to throw his second batting practice session on Sunday as he attempts to return from Tommy John surgery.