AP Sports Preview

ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — The Athletics and Texas Rangers open a pivotal three-game series Friday night at Globe Life Park, with both teams seeking to gain traction in the early season standings.

Oakland (13-12) enters the 7:05 p.m. CDT contest after dropping two of three in Seattle, including a 5-4 loss Wednesday. Right-hander Luis Severino (0-2, 5.40 ERA) will seek his first win of the season, aiming to settle down after a rocky start.

Texas (12-12) returns home having split a two-game set with Pittsburgh, falling 8-4 on Wednesday despite a solo home run from Josh Jung and a solid start from Jack Leiter (5.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 K). The Rangers have won four of their last six overall and hold a 2-1 edge in the season series after splitting a four-game set in last week.

Pitching Matchup: Severino vs. Texas’ Jack Leiter (2-3, 4.91). Leiter, who picked up a win against the Athletics on April 16 (5.2 IP, 3 ER), will look to build on a mixed start to the season.

Players to Watch: For Oakland, right-hander Aaron Civale has been effective despite recent losses. Over his last three starts, he has posted a 2.40 ERA, allowing three earned runs in 15 innings. For Texas, Leiter has shown flashes of dominance but has struggled with consistency, allowing 10 earned runs over his last 8.2 innings.

Weather: Forecast calls for 77 degrees with rain.

Simulation: Interstat projects a 5-4 Athletics victory.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday before returns home to host Kansas City, while Texas welcomes the New York Yankees.