Oakland @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 25, 2013 ) Milwaukee 7, Oakland 9

The Oakland Athletics have swept three consecutive series at home and will look to continue their torrid play when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday in the opener of a three-game set. The Athletics completed a sweep of the Chicago White Sox over the weekend to improve to 9-1 in their last 10 games and 14-2 in their last 16. The surge has moved Oakland within two games of division-leading Texas in the American League West.

Milwaukee's season unraveled following a disastrous 6-22 record in May that included a current four-game home losing streak. The Brewers, who won two of three in Philadelphia over the weekend, need to turn things around at Miller Park as they open a seven-game homestand against Oakland and the Phillies. Jonathan Lucroy is swinging a hot bat, going 8-for-13 with three homers and eight RBIs at Philadelphia.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland), Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Tommy Milone (5-5, 4.04 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Marco Estrada (4-3, 4.96)

Milone is 2-0 in his last three starts, even though he was been tagged for four homers and nine runs in 12 innings over his last two outings - both on the road. He earned the win last time out despite giving up four runs on eight hits in five-plus innings against San Francisco. Milone has been unable to put together consecutive solid outings, giving up at least four runs in six of his 11 starts.

Estrada also has issues recording back-to-back strong starts, although he has gone seven innings in three of his past four outings. He gave up four runs on seven hits in a 4-1 loss at Minnesota last time out after limiting Pittsburgh to one run in his previous turn. Estrada is 2-1 in five home starts, but he has served up eight homers in 26 1/3 innings at Miller Park for an unsightly 7.18 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics closer Grant Balfour has converted 31 consecutive saves dating to last season.

2. Brewers SS Jean Segura leads the National League in batting average (.350) and hits (75).

3. Athletics 2B Jed Lowrie is 6-for-9 over his last two games.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Athletics 3