Houston Astros (84-74, second in the AL West) vs. Athletics (75-83, fourth in the AL West)

West Sacramento, California; Thursday, 3:35 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Astros: Framber Valdez (12-11, 3.75 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 177 strikeouts); Athletics: J.T. Ginn (4-6, 4.57 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 95 strikeouts)

Astros -120, Athletics +101; over/under is 9 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Athletics play the Houston Astros after Shea Langeliers ' four-hit game on Wednesday.

The Athletics are 75-83 overall and 35-42 in home games. The Athletics have a 42-20 record in games when they hit two or more home runs.

Houston has a 38-39 record on the road and an 84-74 record overall. The Astros are 59-28 in games when they record at least eight hits.

The teams meet Thursday for the 13th time this season. The A

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