Oakland @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 7, 2013 ) Oakland 4, Chi. White Sox 3

The Oakland Athletics will look to remain perfect against the host Chicago White Sox when the teams square off in the third contest of a four-game series Saturday afternoon. The Athletics have won all five meetings with the White Sox this season, including one-run decisions on Thursday and Friday. Red-hot Oakland has gone 18-3 in its last 21 games to move one-half game ahead of Texas for first place in the American League West.

The skidding White Sox are headed in the opposite direction, having dropped 10 of 11 games to fall a season-worst nine games under .500. Tight games have been the norm for Chicago, which has lost three straight one-run decisions this month - all to Oakland - to fall to 10-12 in such encounters. The White Sox have held opponents under four runs only twice during their 1-10 spiral.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Tommy Milone (6-5, 3.91 ERA) vs. White Sox LH John Danks (0-2, 5.63)

Milone has rebounded from a five-start losing streak by winning his last three decisions, limiting Milwaukee to two runs on five hits over seven innings on Monday. Milone received only four runs of support during his five-game skid, but the Athletics have put up 25 runs in his last three turns. He blanked the White Sox on three hits over eight innings in April 2012.

Danks will be making his fourth start of the season and is coming off back-to-back losses - both on the road. He allowed four runs (three earned) in six innings in a 4-2 loss at Seattle on Monday. Danks has enjoyed tremendous success in his career against the Athletics, logging a 5-1 record and 2.26 ERA in eight starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. OF Josh Donaldson hit Oakland's first grand slam Friday and is 6-for-8 with the bases loaded this season.

2. White Sox C Tyler Flowers had his first career three-hit performance and has hit safely in each of his last three games.

3. Athletics closer Grant Balfour has converted all 15 save opportunities this season and 33 straight dating to last year.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, White Sox 3