Pittsburgh Pirates (25-45) at Texas Rangers (42-28)

Josh Hamilton is on a tear and the Texas Rangers are in position for their longest winning streak in more than 19 years. The lowly Pittsburgh Pirates don’t seem to be a likely candidate to stop their run.

Hamilton looks to extend the majors’ longest hitting streak and lead the Rangers to a 10th consecutive victory Wednesday night against the Pirates.

They’ll give the ball to Paul Maholm (4-5, 3.77), who will make his first start against the Rangers hoping to avoid being the victim of a big inning again.

The left-hander allowed two hits while cruising through six scoreless innings Friday, but he surrendered four runs and five hits while managing only two outs in the seventh of a 4-3 loss to Cleveland.

Nippert (2-3, 5.01 ERA) had appeared 22 times out of the bullpen before lasting only three innings in Thursday’s 6-4 win at Florida, allowing three runs and seven hits.

The right-hander hasn’t pitched more than three innings since going 5 2-3 in his previous start Sept. 14, a 4-0 loss to Oakland.

Nippert has a 3.86 ERA in three games - one start - against Pittsburgh.

Forecast: As the Rangers are going for their tenth consecutive win, Vegas would say to bet Rangers. And who am I to go against the mighty, mighty gambling Gods of Vegas? OK, so chances are I would if I felt like it, however, the Rangers are knocking heads against the worst NL team, and the Rangers happen to be one of the hottest teams in baseball right now. I will say this: I really don't like Nippert in this one. I don't know why, I just don't, so look for the Rangers to win, but it to go to someone likely in the bullpen. Score: 8-5.