Texas @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 23, 2010 ) Texas 0, Oakland 5

Having shaved one game off the Texas Rangers’ lead on Thursday, the Oakland Athletics look to trim another on Friday night when they send the ultimate journeyman to the mound.

Oakland left-hander Bobby Cramer makes his third major-league start as the Athletics aim to beat Texas for the second consecutive night.

The Athletics are seven games behind the Rangers after beating Cliff Lee 5-0 in the series opener. Oakland needs to sweep the four-game series to harbor any hopes of a miracle overtaking of Texas in the American League West.

The 30-year-old Cramer will attempt to follow up Dallas Braden’s fine outing – Braden gave up one hit in eight innings – as well as make it three victories in three starts since making his big-league debut on Sept. 13.

Cramer was loaned to a team in the Mexican League and went 13-3 before Oakland sent him to Triple-A Sacramento in early August.

After compiling a 1.94 earned-run average in seven Triple-A starts, Cramer got his long-awaited chance to pitch in the majors.

The player who had twice been released – by Tampa Bay and Oakland – and spent time working odd jobs while pitching in a recreational league and later in an independent league is making the most of his opportunity.

Cramer held Kansas City to one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings to win his first major-league start and defeated Minnesota six days later when he allowed two runs and five hits.

Now start No. 3 comes against a suddenly struggling Texas offense that has scored just 14 runs during the last seven games.

The Rangers certainly miss star outfielder Josh Hamilton, the leading hitter in the majors with a .361 average. Hamilton broke two ribs on Sept. 4.

Tommy Hunter starts for the Rangers and he beat Oakland last month to improve his career mark against the A’s to 3-0.

Hunter (12-4) has lost his last two decisions. The right-hander is just 3-3 since winning nine of his first 10 decisions.

Hunter has a 3.92 season ERA and is just 5-4 on the road.

Braden’s eight-inning effort was well-timed for an Athletics squad that has seen its bullpen decimated.

All-Star closer Andrew Bailey (25 saves, 1.47 ERA) will undergo elbow surgery on Friday and fellow relievers Michael Wuertz (thumb) and Jerry Blevins (shoulder) also have been unavailable in recent days.

Oakland shortstop Cliff Pennington (shoulder) was also unable to start Thursday’s game but came in as a late defensive replacement. Pennington is batting just .180 during September.

Texas third baseman Michael Young played in his 1,500th career game on Thursday. He is the fourth player in Texas history to reach that plateau and one of seven active players with that type of longevity.