After dropping 2-of-3 at home to Seattle, the Rangers lead in the AL West has been cut to just one game on Houston. Texas will play on the road at Oakland tonight, and they should be able to get back on track here against a rookie starter.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Athletics hand the ball to left-hander Sean Nolin, who makes just his second start in Oakland. His home debut didn't go so well, allowing three runs on five hits over six innings in a loss to the Mariners. The Rangers counter with a southpaw of their own in Martin Perez, and he allowed just one run through seven innings in a home win over Houston in his last start.

2. Texas vs. Southpaws - The Rangers lead the major leagues in runs scored versus left-handed pitching, and they are 7-1 in their last eight when coming off a loss.

3. X-Factor - Oakand's bullpen ranks dead last in the American League with an ERA of 4.55.

Selection: This is a play on the Texas Rangers (1* Free Pick)