A's-Rangers preview
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Oakland Athletics are in position to win another series due to a simple formula.
"Our pitching's been better, and our lineup's doing things we really haven't done in the past," Josh Reddick said after Tuesday night's 6-3 at Texas. "We're just stringing hits together, and we used the long ball effectively tonight.
"It's just about getting our lineup going one through nine and not relying on our 3-4-5 guys every night. We've got guys who can pick up this team at any given moment."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The three-game set at Texas is tied 1-1 going into the finale Wednesday night at Globe Life Park. The A's (46-55) are 8-4 since the All-Star break.
The latest victory was especially gratifying for manager Bob Melvin after Oakland lost the series opener in walk-off fashion. The bullpen finished out Tuesday's game with three shutout innings.
"That was a really good win for us coming back from a difficult game last night," he said. "There were a lot of ingredients tonight. Guys getting big outs they normally don't have to get in those situations. Good stuff tonight."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Standing in the way of an Oakland series win is Yu Darvish. The Texas right-hander is 2-2 with a 3.12 ERA in five starts, but is winless in two starts since returning from the disabled list on July 16.
The A's counter with lefty Sean Manaea (3-5, 4.61), who has not allowed a run in three of his four starts since being reinstated from the DL on June 29.
The American League West-leading Rangers (58-43) lost for the first time in four games, but they did receive a boost from call-up Joey Gallo. The power-hitting Gallo crushed a 448-foot home run in his first start at first base.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I feel like I can help this team, bring some power to the team," said Gallo, who needed a police-escort to make it to the stadium on time after driving into town from Triple-A Round Rock in central Texas. "I want to stay here and I don't want to go back."
Gallo's appearance is significant on several levels. Not only does he add a much-needed power bat with Prince Fielder sidelined for the season and Shin-Soo Choo on the disabled, Gallo can be showcased on the Major League level.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, other clubs can take a closer look at the top prospect in the Texas system. Banister has made it clear that Gallo would be in the lineup.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"He's coming to play," Banister said.
Gallo, 22, has spent the majority of the year at Triple-A, compiling a batting line of .246/.381/.557/.939 (60-244) with 19 home runs and 47 RBI. He ranks fourth in the Pacific Coast League in home runs. Gallo's .939 OPS figure is seventh among all Triple-A qualifiers.
He has struck out 91 times, while walking 53 times in 70 games.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"There's still the strikeout numbers there, but home run hitters strike out," Banister said. "He's got walks. Guys with power, there's some give-and-take there. We still want guys with power potential to be aggressive in nature, too. It's the ability in those underneath-count situations to still mount a fight within the at-bat. He's shown improvement in that."