Astros at Athletics
The Houston Astros aim to conclude their six-game road trip with a five-game winning streak as they attempt to complete a sweep when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Sunday for the last of three meetings. Houston has erupted offensively since being shut out by Seattle in the opener of its trek, scoring a total of 34 runs in its four straight triumphs.
The Astros have crossed the plate at least seven times in each contest and reached double digits for the second time during the streak on Saturday, when they allowed the game's first five runs before rallying for a 10-6 victory. George Springer hit his major league high-tying sixth homer, while Jose Altuve is 11-for-22 over his last six games after recording a single in four at-bats. Oakland has lost three consecutive contests, including the first two of its 10-game homestand. Khris Davis remains hot for the Athletics, as he has hit safely in 10 of his 12 games this year after going 3-for-5 on Saturday and tying Springer - and Yoenis Cespedes of the New York Mets - with his sixth blast of the year and second in as many contests.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), NBC Sports California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (0-1, 4.09 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jharel Cotton (1-1, 3.97)
Morton seeks his first win of the season after coming up empty in two turns against Seattle to begin his tenure with Houston. The 33-year-old native of New Jersey settled for a no-decision at home in his debut for the Astros on April 5 before allowing three runs over five innings in a loss at Seattle on Monday. Morton, who spent the first nine years of his career in the National League, will be facing Oakland for the first time.
Cotton was pounded in his season debut but bounced back in a big way Monday, allowing only two hits while striking out six over seven scoreless innings in a victory at Kansas City. The 25-year-old from the Virgin Islands surrendered five runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 frames en route to a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on April 5. Cotton pitched well in his only career start against Houston, giving up just one run and two hits over six innings in a no-decision on Sept. 19.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics optioned Mark Canha to Triple-A Nashville, transferred Jake Smolinski (shoulder) to the 60-day disabled list and purchased the contract of fellow OF Jaff Decker, who went 3-for-5 with a triple and RBI single in his debut for the team.
2. Oakland SS Marcus Semien did not play Saturday due to a bruised right wrist and will undergo a CT scan on Monday.
3. Houston SS Carlos Correa left Saturday's game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch, but X-rays were negative and he is listed as day-to-day.