Hot-hitting Josh Jung will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Texas Rangers (13-7) host the Oakland Athletics (4-17) at Globe Life Field on Sunday with the three-game series all square at 1-1.
The Rangers leveled the series 1-1 after winning 18-3 on Saturday. Andrew Heaney got the win, giving up two runs on five hits over six innings. Adolis Garcia went 5 for 5 with three home runs and two doubles in the win.
He scored five runs and drove in eight. Ezequiel Duran added a home run, two runs, and two RBIs. Jesus Aguilar was 2 for 3 with a solo home run for the Athletics.
ON THE MOUND
Kyle Muller (0-1, 7.23 ERA) is in line for the start for Oakland. The lefty allowed six runs over four innings in his last start, a 10-1 road defeat against the Cubs on Monday. He was charged with the loss, yielding 13 hits while striking out three and walking two.
Muller is making his first appearance against the Rangers this season. Muller made one start against the Rangers in 2022, a 7-3 road loss for the Braves on May 1. He surrendered seven runs on four hits over 2.2 innings, striking out three and walking six.
Right-hander Jacob deGrom (1-0, 3.48 ERA) will toe the rubber for Texas. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Athletics. deGrom made one start against the Athletics in 2022, throwing four innings for the Mets in a 10-4 road defeat on September 24.
He gave up six hits and walked four, while striking out five in the loss.In his last start on Monday, deGrom took a no-decision on the road against the Royals. He threw four scoreless, no-hit innings, striking out five and walking one in the 4-0 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Oakland has averaged only 2.2 runs a game, down from their season average of 3.5, while performing worse across the board (.195/.275/.292). Against right-handed pitchers like deGrom this season, the A’s have a .647 OPS, fourth lowest in MLB.
Shea Langeliers is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .875 OPS in 46 at-bats. Texas is averaging 10.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 6.7 for the season, with a better slash line (.313/.407/.534). The Rangers have a .623 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .620 OPS over 19 at-bats, Nathaniel Lowe has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Oakland is 2-7 away from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 9.1 runs. Texas has gone 7-4 at home this season, averaging 7.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. In the last 10 games at Globe Life Field between the AL West rivals, each club has won five, though Texas has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 6.4-5.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by two games over the Astros. The Athletics are fifth in the AL West, nine games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers -2.5 (+100)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
