Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics FREE WAtch LIve Streaming Online from Oakland Coliseum at 10:05 PM ET
The Athletics weren't very welcoming to the AL West newcomers in 2013, winning 15 of 19 meetings en route to their second straight division title.
With Sonny Gray seeking his third straight victory, the Athletics hope to begin a similar run of success against the Astros as they open a three-game series Friday night.
Last season, Oakland (10-5) won the first 10 matchups after Houston (5-11) had moved from the NL Central. In winning 15 of 19 in the season series, the A's batted .277 -- 23 points higher than their season average -- while their starters posted a 2.84 ERA.
Now they'll try to win for the 21st time in 26 all-time meetings as Gray (2-0, 0.95 ERA) takes the mound. The right-hander has given up four runs -- all in the first three innings -- with 19 strikeouts over 19 frames in his first three starts.
Although he's won five straight regular-season decisions, Gray's last defeat came against the Astros on Sept. 5 when he surrendered three runs -- two earned -- over eight innings in a 3-2 home loss. Less than a month earlier, he had fanned nine while giving up four hits over eight frames in a 5-0 win in Oakland.
Gray, 4-1 with a 1.71 ERA in eight career regular-season home starts, may have to pitch deep into this contest after the A's used 10 relievers in their last two games.
The Astros will try to provide some run support for Jarred Cosart (1-1, 4.00), who hasn't won since blanking the Yankees over five innings in his first start. He shut down Texas on Saturday after allowing three runs in the first four innings, finishing with a career-best eight strikeouts and two walks over seven frames in a 6-5, 10-inning road win.
The right-hander has 15 strikeouts and six walks in his first three outings after fanning 33 and walking 35 in his rookie season.
Cosart has allowed two runs -- one earned -- over 13 innings in two career meetings with the A's.
The game will be live streaming online at gofirstrowus.eu/sport/baseball.html
