Athletics at Rangers 9/14/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Oakland Athletics visit the Texas Rangers on Saturday to continue a three-game series against American League West rival the Texas Rangers. The A’s defeated the Houston Astros on Thursday to take over the lead in the American League wildcard race ahead of Tampa Bay. Matt Olson belted a two-run homer that helped back a strong start by right-hander Homer Bailey. 

Texas defeated the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday 6-4. Nick Solak hit a home run as the Rangers won two of three over the Rays. Tom Farrell relieved rookie starter Kolby Allard and took the win. Jose Leclerc came in to pitch the ninth and earned his 13th save setting a single-season person high. Texas moved back to .500 at 74-74 for the first time in nearly a month.

Marcus Semien leads Oakland with a .282 batting average. Matt Chapman leads in home runs with 32 and in RBIs with 81. Semien leads in hits with 169. The A’s are averaging .249 at the plate while opposing hitters are averaging .245. On Saturday, the A’s will send Mike Fiers to the mound. The right-hander is 14-4 with an ERA of 3.97, 116 Ks and 50 BBs.

Elvis Andrus is leads Texas with a .273 batting average and in hits with 149. Rougned Odor leads in home runs with 26 and RBIs with 79. Texas is averaging .248 at the plate, while opponents are averaging .267. On Saturday, the Rangers will send Mike Minor to the mound. The lefthander is 13-8 with an ERA of 3.08, 183 Ks and 59 BBs.