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Rangers-Astros Preview

Jun 20, 2010 - 3:53 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Texas (39-28) at Houston (26-42), 2:05 p.m. EDT

The Texas Rangers have been the hottest team in the AL this month. The Houston Astros are probably grateful they only visit once a year.

The Rangers look to complete a road sweep of the Astros for the second straight season Sunday as they seek their longest winning streak in five years.

Texas (40-28) has the AL's best record in June at 14-4. The Rangers won their seventh in a row Saturday, 5-1 over the Astros.

All of the victories during the streak have come on the road, marking the first time in franchise history the Rangers have won seven in a row on a single trip. Texas has not won eight straight overall since a nine-game run May 20-31, 2005.

After driving in four runs Friday, Justin Smoak hit a two-run homer and had three RBIs on Saturday. Smoak went 3 for 4 and is 5 for 9 in the series after coming into the weekend batting .205.

The rookie first baseman has driven in nine runs during the win streak.

"Anytime you feel good at the plate you get more relaxed and I think that's the biggest thing, just trying to relax up there," Smoak said.

Josh Hamilton extended his hitting streak to a career-high 15 games with a single off Brandon Lyon in the eighth. He is 4 for 9 in the series.

The Rangers' road winning streak over the Astros reached five games, during which they've outscored Houston 31-12.

Texas has battered opposing pitching during this 10-game trip, scoring 40 runs during the last seven games with 24 of its 66 hits going for extra bases (13 doubles, eight home runs and three triples).

As hot as the Rangers have been at the plate, they have been helped by the struggling Astros pitching staff, which has posted a 7.25 ERA over the last eight games. Houston (26-43) is 1-7 during that stretch.

The Astros did get a strong outing Saturday from Brian Moehler, who allowed one hit - Smoak's home run - in six innings.

Texas will go for the sweep behind C.J. Wilson (5-3, 3.48 ERA), who looks to win his third straight decision.

The left-hander gave up two runs and struck out six in six innings against Florida on Tuesday, but walked a career-high six and didn't get the decision in a 3-2 victory.

Texas is 9-4 in Wilson's starts this year.

He will be making his first start versus the Astros after 10 relief appearances against them, posting a 1-1 record and 5.00 ERA along with two saves in three opportunities.

Houston will counter with Felipe Paulino (1-8, 4.50), who is looking to bounce back from the worst start of his career. The right-hander gave up 10 runs - eight earned - and 11 hits over 4 2-3 innings of a 15-7 loss to Kansas City on Tuesday.

Paulino made his first start against the Rangers last May 22, allowing four runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 6-5, 10-inning loss.