Seattle @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( May 12, 2013 ) Oakland 1, Seattle 6

The streaking Oakland Athletics suddenly have a share of the best record in the American League as they open a three-game series against the visiting Seattle Mariners on Friday. Oakland (41-27) pulled even with the Boston Red Sox for the AL’s best mark after beating the New York Yankees in 18 innings on Thursday for its 11th consecutive home victory and 21st win in 26 overall games. Seattle has a 4-3 edge over the Athletics in the season series.

The Mariners are 11-21 on the road and are struggling to protect late leads, with closer Tom Wilhelmsen blowing four of his last nine save opportunities. Seattle is hopeful that first baseman Kendrys Morales (back) and outfielder Michael Morse (quadriceps) will be in the lineup to add punch to its anemic offense. Oakland also is battling a few injuries as third baseman Josh Donaldson left the 18-inning contest with a sore hamstring, while outfielders Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) and Coco Crisp (heel) were both held of the starting lineup, although Crisp had two hits after entering the game in the 15th inning.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Seattle), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Joe Saunders (4-6, 5.12 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Tommy Milone (6-5, 3.69)

Saunders always has fared well against Oakland, improving to 14-6 lifetime by allowing one run and five hits in 6 1/3 innings on May 12. He has a 3.47 ERA in 22 career starts against the Athletics and is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two outings this year. Saunders is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA in six road starts this season.

Milone is 3-0 in his last five starts after giving up five runs and six hits over five innings in a loss to Seattle on May 12. He is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two starts against the Mariners this season and 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in seven career outings. Milone is 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA in five turns at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics last won 12 straight home games during the 2002 campaign.

2. Mariners SS Brendan Ryan is 2-for-14 with five strikeouts against Milone.

3. Crisp is 9-for-30 with six doubles and a homer against Saunders.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Mariners 3