Athletics at Astros
The Oakland Athletics attempt to continue their success in the Lone Star State when they visit the Houston Astros on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Oakland began its nine-game road trip by winning two of three at Texas and rolled to an 8-1 victory in Houston on Friday in the series opener.
The Athletics launched three home runs off Dallas Keuchel while Sean Manaea spun another gem following up his no-hitter in Boston last Saturday with a seven-inning performance during which he allowed an unearned run and four hits. Marcus Semien is riding a six-game hitting streak that includes five two-hit efforts and has scored at least one run in six straight contests. Houston has gotten off to a rough start on its 10-game homestand, losing three of the first four games. Jose Altuve, who has won the American League batting title in three of the last four seasons, registered one of the team's five hits on Friday. The reigning AL MVP has been held without a hit in only four of his 27 games this year.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (2-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (3-1, 4.67)
Mengden produced his second straight strong performance on Sunday but settled for a no-decision against Boston despite giving up just one run and six hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old native of Houston allowed the same amount of runs and hits over eight frames in his previous turn versus the Chicago White Sox but came away with his first victory in 11 career home decisions. Mengden has made four starts against Houston but has yet to win, going 0-2 with a 6.33 ERA.
McCullers is looking to win his third consecutive start after allowing two runs and nine hits with 14 strikeouts over 13 innings in triumphs at Seattle and the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old Floridian has had just one turn at home this season - a loss to San Diego on April 6 in which he yielded three runs - two earned - and seven hits over five frames. McCullers has posted a 1-1 record and 4.95 ERA in four career starts against the Athletics.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics OF Mark Canha has hit safely in 11 of his 14 games this season.
2. Houston SS Carlos Correa has gone 17-for-39 during his 11-game hitting streak.
3. Prior to the opener, Oakland placed Ryan Buchter (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, recalled fellow LHP Danny Coulombe from Triple-A Nashville and activated RHP Yusmeiro Petit from the bereavement list.