(Sports Network) - The Texas Rangers will try to complete the three-game sweep over the Oakland Athletics in the series finale at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington this afternoon.

The Rangers have been on fire of late, winning five consecutive games, and nine of their last 11. For Texas to continue its strong play, the squad must rely on Sidney Ponson, who is 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA on the season.

Ponson was outstanding in his last matchup, tossing seven strong innings, surrendering just one run on seven hits en route to a 10-1 victory over Seattle.

Unfortunately the right-hander has not had much success against the A's in his career, posting a mere 3-3 mark with an atrocious 6.58 ERA in 10 starts.

The A's are hoping for a boost from their oft-injured ace Rich Harden. Harden, who was placed on the disabled list back on April 11th appears ready to finally take the hill for Oakland.

In his two previous starts this season, the hard throwing right-hander is 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA. In his last outing before suffering an injury, the 26-year- old tossed five scoreless innings against Boston, scattering five hits, while striking out six batters. However, despite Harden's efforts the A's fell to the Red Sox by a 5-0 margin.

Yesterday, Milton Bradley went 2-for-2 with three runs batted in and two walks, as the Rangers beat Oakland, 6-4.

Josh Hamilton went 3-for-5 with a run scored and one batted in for the Rangers, who have won five in a row and nine of their last 11. Ian Kinsler and Michael Young both collected a pair of hits.

Texas starter Kevin Millwood left the game after just two-thirds of an inning due to a strained groin. Millwood threw just 12 pitches before Josh Rupe came on in relief. Rupe (1-1) was credited with the win after he tossed three innings of relief, giving up just two runs -- one earned -- on five hits.

Emil Brown and Bobby Crosby both had two hits for the A's, who have dropped two in a row on the heels of a four-game win streak. Frank Thomas added a two- RBI double in defeat.

Dana Eveland (3-3) allowed three runs on six hits in six innings, and took the loss.