The Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics close out a three-game American League West series Sunday afternoon at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Texas has won five of its last six games and is a season-best 16 games over .500, which is the club’s bet mark since the end of the 2010 season (90-72). The Rangers increased their lead in the AL West division to three games with a 7-1 win Saturday and have also put together a seven-game winning streak against the Athletics. A key to the team’s success away from the Lone Star State has been a pitching staff that enters this afternoon’s contest leading the majors with a 3.08 road ERA. Texas is 19-17 in day games this season and 18-7 when facing losing opposition in the second half of the season.
Rangers starting pitcher Matt Harrison is 10-8 with a 3.06 ERA in 22 starts this season and has led the club to wins in six of his last seven outings. The left-hander is an even 4-4 with a 2.95 ERA in 10 road starts, as opponents are hitting just .230 against him. Harrison has been incredible during daytime outings, entering with a 4-2 mark and 1.61 ERA, surrendering just a single home run in seven starts. In eight lifetime appearances (five starts) versus the Athletics, he is 4-1 with a 3.66 ERA, including a 2-0 home win on July 20 (7.2 IP, 6 H).
Oakland came into this series winners of four of five games, but has dropped both contests versus Texas in this three-game set. The Athletics committed four errors Saturday and manager Bob Melvin has had enough. “There’s nothing more embarrassing than playing bad defense,” he commented. “At some point, we just have to get it right.” The club has been hitting better since the All-Star break, entering yesterday’s contest with a .291 batting average, after hitting .233 before the Midsummer Classic. Oakland is 22-23 in day games this season and 16-22 versus division opponents.
Athletics starting pitcher Rich Harden is 3-2 with a 4.07 ERA in seven starts this season and will be looking to win consecutive outings for the first time this year. The right-hander has tallied a 1-0 mark and 3.32 ERA in three home starts, as opponents are hitting just .169 against him. Harden has been susceptible to giving up the long ball, allowing eight home runs in 42 innings. In 13 career appearances (12 starts) versus the Rangers, he is 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA, including a 6-0 road loss on July 7 (5 IP, 5 ER).
At the time of this writing, Texas is listed as a -124 road favorite and the total stands at 7.5 Over (-120).