Texas @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 14, 2019 ) Oakland 7, Texas 8

The Texas Rangers have produced 52 runs while winning six of their last seven games while the Oakland Athletics have scored only 16 while losing five of their last six contests. Texas hopes both trends continue when it kicks off its seven-game road trip Monday with the opener of a three-game series in Oakland.

The Rangers began their surge with an 8-7 home victory over the Athletics on April 14 and extended it Sunday by holding on for an 11-10 triumph over Houston that concluded their 6-2 homestand. Joey Gallo registered his third straight two-hit performance and tied a career high driving in five runs on Sunday, giving him seven RBIs in the three-game set against the Astros. Oakland's slump also began with the game against Texas on April 14, but it has crossed the plate only nine times in its last five contests - with nearly half of those runs coming in Sunday's 5-4 setback against Toronto. Marcus Semien and Khris Davis each recorded two hits and an RBI in the loss for the Athletics, with the latter plating his first run since the 8-7 loss to Texas.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Mike Minor (2-1, 2.60 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (2018: 2-3, 3.02)

Minor has shrugged off a poor performance in his season debut by allowing a total of two runs over 23 innings in his last three starts. The 31-year-old Tennessean is coming off an effort against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in which he gave up three hits and two walks while registering seven strikeouts en route to his second major-league complete game and first shutout. Minor is 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in three starts and three relief appearances versus Oakland in his career.

Bassitt will be making his season debut after beginning the campaign on the injured list with a right shin contusion. The 30-year-old native of Ohio made three starts during his rehab assignment, allowing six runs - four earned - and eight hits with two walks and 16 strikeouts in 11 innings. Bassitt has surrendered seven runs on 10 hits and four free passes over seven frames in one start and two relief outings against Texas in his career, losing his only decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gallo has homered in seven of his last 13 contests, collecting 17 RBIs in that span.

2. Oakland LHP Brett Anderson could land on the injured list after exiting Sunday's game with a sprained left ankle.

3. Texas OF Shin-Soo Choo has gone 11-for-24 while drawing seven walks and being hit by a pitch once when leading off an inning this season.

PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Athletics 3