Preview: Rangers, Athletics Meet in Rubber Match

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Texas Rangers and Athletics, locked in an early-season tie for second place in the AL West, will decide their four-game series Thursday afternoon at Sutter Health Park.

Both teams enter the finale with identical 9-8 records after splitting the first three contests. took a 2-1 pitchers’ duel Tuesday, while Texas won 8-1 on Monday. Wednesday’s scheduled game was postponed.

The pitching matchup features two left-handers seeking their second win. Texas is expected to start Jacob Lopez (1-1, 4.15 ERA). will counter with Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 1.45 ERA), who has been dominant. Springs earned the win Tuesday, allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings against Texas. In his last three starts, he has surrendered just two earned runs in 19 1/3 innings.

A player to watch for Texas is left-hander MacKenzie Gore, who took the loss Tuesday despite a strong outing. Over his last four starts, Gore has 30 strikeouts in 21 innings.

Despite Springs’ recent form, Texas has been installed as a -1.5 run favorite by oddsmakers. The total runs over/under is set at 9.5. The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-5 Athletics victory.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. PDT under clear skies with a temperature near 66 degrees.

UP NEXT

The Rangers travel to Seattle for a three-game series starting Friday. The Athletics host the Chicago White Sox for three beginning Friday. The two division rivals will meet again for a three-game set in Texas starting April 24.