Astros at Athletics
The red-hot Houston Astros attempt to remain perfect on their 10-game road trip when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Houston has won a season high-tying six straight contests, including the first five of its trek following Tuesday's 6-3 triumph.
Evan Gattis doubled, homered and drove in a career-high five runs while Carlos Correa also went deep for the Astros, who saw five of the last six batters in their lineup record two hits. Oakland was outhit 12-7 on Tuesday as it fell to 3-2 on its 10-game homestand. Matt Chapman continued swinging a hot bat for the Athletics as he recorded his second three-hit performance in three contests with a trio of doubles. The 25-year-old third baseman has gone 10-for-16 during his five-game hitting streak.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (7-1, 2.16 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Paul Blackburn (1-0, 1.50)
Cole won his fifth consecutive decision on Thursday, when he allowed one run and three hits over six innings at Texas. The 27-year-old Californian registered eight strikeouts to raise his season total to 124 - the highest amount by an Astro prior to the All-Star break since Darryl Kile recorded 128 in 1996. Cole is 1-1 with a 2.75 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics, with the victory coming at Oakland on May 9.
Blackburn returned from a forearm injury to make his season debut on Thursday, allowing one run and three hits over six innings in a win over Kansas City. The 24-year-old native of the Golden State made one rehab start with Single-A Stockton prior to joining Oakland but lasted only 3 2/3 frames as he yielded three runs and eight hits. Blackburn, who is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in six career starts at home, will be facing Houston for the first time.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Astros have won six straight meetings with the Athletics, outscoring them 49-12, after losing the first matchup of the season.
2. Correa (side) returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing four games and finished 2-for-4 while scoring twice.
3. Oakland RHP Trevor Cahill (Achilles), who was scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday, likely will land on the disabled list, according to manager Bob Melvin.