Blackburn matches up with Astros` Cole
(MLB.com Oakland Athletics)

Right-hander Paul Blackburn, who twirled six innings of one-run ball in his season debut against the Royals on Thursday, will be back on the mound Wednesday for a 7:05 p.m. PT start against the Astros. Houston will counter with right-hander Gerrit Cole, who is 7-1 with a 2.16 ERA and leads the AL with 124 strikeouts.