Mediocre record aside, Astros aim to clinch AL West title vs. A’s

The Houston Astros enter Game 162 tied with the Texas Rangers for the American League West division lead as they face the Athletics in West Sacramento, California. Holding the tiebreaker after winning the season series 9-4 against Texas, Houston can secure the division title and reach the postseason for the ninth time in 10 seasons with a victory on Sunday.

Houston will start right-hander Peter Lambert, while manager Joe Espada noted nearly the entire bullpen is available following Hayden Wesneski's seven innings in Saturday's 13-2 victory. The Athletics, led by manager Mark Kotsay, enter the finale at 64-97 to wrap up fourth place in the AL West.