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Athletics look to overcome offensive woes in Texas

Aug 6, 2007 - 1:27 PM Oakland (53-59) at Texas (48-63) 8:35 pm EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- The Oakland Athletics try to turn around their offensive struggles when they open a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Monday.

Oakland ranks last in the American League in a number of offensive categories including runs scored (478), average with runners in scoring position (.241) and double plays (108). The A's have a batting average of .251, second lowest in the AL.

Thanks to their offensive struggles, the Athletics are six games under .500 and 12 games back in the AL West Division.

Mike Piazza has been hot for Oakland. Since being activated from the disabled list on July 20, the veteran has hit safely in 12 of 14 games with 13 RBI.

The Athletics will take their swings against John Rheinecker (1-0, 5.74 ERA), who will make his first start against his former team. The lefthander was acquired by Rangers at the beginning of the 2006 season.

Rheinecker tossed a scoreless frame in relief in his only appearance against the A's.

Oakland will counter with Dallas Braden (1-6, 5.28), who hasn't won since his first start of the season on April 24 - a span of 10 starts. The lefthander surrendered two runs on four hits but lasted just 5 1/3 innings in his last start in a no-decision against Detroit on August 1.

Braden lost against the Rangers on July 16, allowing four runs and eight hits in six innings.

The Rangers have lost four straight and seven on their last nine games.