The Texas Rangers hold a slim two game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West as they begin a 10-game road trip tonight in Oakland.
C.J. Wilson starts for the Rangers in search of his 11th win of the season. Wilson's record currently sits at 10-5 with a 3.35 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and .239 BAA. WIlson has also struck out 146 in 161.1 innings of work on the season against just 55 walks.
Wilson, though, hasn't been credited with a win since his July 16 start against the Mariners. The Rangers have lost each of Wilson's last four starts - with Wilson being charged with two of the losses himself.
Texas' offense will face off against former Ranger Brandon McCarthy, who has pitched well for the A's this season. McCarthy takes a 5-5 record and 3.31 ERA into the contest, to go along with a 1.17 WHIP. McCarthy has only walked 16 batters on the season, so the Rangers will have to earn their base runners tonight.
While the Rangers take on the A's, the Angels will be in Toronto taking on the Blue Jays. Ervin Santana takes on Brandon Morrow as all Rangers fans suddenly become Blue Jays fans for the weekend.
First pitch between Oakland and Texas is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CDT, 7:05 locally.