The Rangers are fading fast in the west having lost 6 of their last 7 games. The future doesn't look bright as they have really struggled with division foe Oakland. The A's have won 7 of the last 8 games in this series and Oakland is really playing well right now. They enter play tonight on a current 12-2 run. They are doing it with timely hitting and solid pitching. They haven't allowed more than four runs in any of their last seven games.
Kevin Millwood started the year very strong but he has faded as of late. He only has one quality start in his last five outings. During that time he has allowed 22 earned runs in 26 innings. A sure sign of the veteran tiring is to look at his strikeout to walk ratio of his last six starts. He has posted a 20 to 21 mark, well below his seasonal rate.
The A's will counter with Edgar Gonzalez who has fared extremely well in three of his four starts this season. This is the third time he has faced Texas this year.
The A's are simply not getting enough credit for the way they have been playing. The line is predicated too much on the need of the Rangers. The better team gets the win here and that club right now is the host.
Bryan Leonard 9/21
Reply With Quote