Oakland @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( May 29, 2013 ) Oakland 9, San Francisco 6

The Oakland Athletics have won six straight games and 11 of their last 12 heading into Thursday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park, where the hometown fans are getting a little restless. The Giants have relied on their starting rotation to win two World Series titles over the past three years, but they’ve had just two quality starts in their last 15 games. San Francisco has committed 25 errors this month, including three in Wednesday’s 9-6 loss.

While the Giants aim to snap a three-game losing streak, Oakland has moved eight games over .500 for the first time since April 17. Closer Grant Balfour has converted each of his last 30 save opportunities dating back to last season, and the offense could receive a boost this weekend when Josh Reddick (wrist) returns from the disabled list. Reddick is completing a minor-league rehab assignment and could play in Friday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (5-3, 3.84 ERA) vs. Giants LH Barry Zito (3-3, 4.13)

Griffin improved to 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA in five starts in May despite working 5 2/3 shaky innings against the Houston Astros last Saturday. The right-hander allowed four runs versus the Astros, including three solo homers, and he’s yielded seven runs over his last 11 2/3 innings. Griffin faced the Giants last June 24 in his major-league debut, surrendering two runs over six frames. The Athletics are 19-6 in his 25 career starts.

After a promising start to the season, Zito has allowed 14 earned runs over his last three outings covering 17 1/3 innings. The 35-year-old lefty hasn’t won in his last six starts, including Saturday's outing against Colorado in which he gave up four runs in six innings. Zito, who is 2-4 with a 7.16 ERA is six career starts against his former team, allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings in his one outing against the Athletics last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants optioned LHP Mike Kickham to Triple-A Fresno and recalled reliever Ramon Ramirez. Kickham allowed four runs over 2 1/3 innings in his major league debut on Tuesday.

2. Oakland is 23-12 in night games compared to 8-11 during the day.

3. San Francisco CF Angel Pagan missed his fourth straight game Wednesday with a strained right hamstring and remains listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Giants 5