Oakland @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 7, 2014 ) Oakland 8, Minnesota 3

The Oakland Athletics attempt to continue their recent dominance of Minnesota when they visit the Twins on Wednesday afternoon in the second contest of a three-game set. Oakland rolled to an 8-3 victory in Monday’s series opener for its seventh straight victory over the Twins and 12th in the last 14 meetings. The Athletics hope to have leadoff hitter Coco Crisp back in the lineup after he missed the opener due to a wrist injury.

Minnesota has experienced pitching issues during its first seven games of the season with the starters combining for a 6.32 ERA and the staff allowing 46 total runs. The Twins (3-4) also have a couple players dealing with wrist injuries as outfielder Josh Willingham missed the opener with a bruised left wrist and outfielder Oswaldo Arcia has been sidelined for three games due to a right wrist ailment. Oakland’s pitching has been solid and the staff has a collective 2.32 ERA during a 4-3 start.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Jesse Chavez (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Twins RH Phil Hughes (0-0, 7.20)

Chavez received a no-decision against Seattle in his first outing when he gave up two runs (one earned) and five hits in six innings. The start was just his third in 192 major-league appearances, the other two coming in 2012 for Toronto. Chavez has a 6.14 ERA in six career appearances against the Twins.

Hughes struck out seven in five innings against the Chicago White Sox in his first start for Minnesota but was touched up four runs and seven hits. He also gave up two homers, continuing the trend that saw him allow a total of 59 long balls over the past two seasons for the New York Yankees. Hughes is 3-2 with a 4.33 ERA in 10 career appearances (seven starts) against Oakland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Josh Donaldson had his second two-hit game of the season Monday despite having just five safeties overall.

2. Twins 1B Chris Colabello has hit safely in all seven games and is batting .370 to go with an American League-leading 11 RBIs.

3. Oakland SS Jed Lowrie left Monday’s game after being hit by a pitch in his lower right leg and his availability will be determined Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Twins 9, Athletics 7