Toronto @ Oakland preview

Toronto at Oakland

Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2013 ) Toronto 5, Oakland 0

The Toronto Blue Jays attempt to win their second straight series as they visit the American League West-leading Oakland Athletics in the rubber match of their three-game set Wednesday afternoon. Toronto took three of four at home from the Houston Astros before splitting the first two contests in Oakland. Mark Buehrle produced his second straight scoreless effort while Jose Bautista and Emilio Bonifacio homered as the Blue Jays posted a 5-0 victory Tuesday.

Toronto improved to 9-16 this month and 11-21 since posting a franchise-record 11-game win streak in mid-June. The loss ended Oakland's four-game winning streak and reduced its division lead over the Texas Rangers to five games. The Athletics added some pop at second base Tuesday night, acquiring Alberto Callaspo from the Los Angeles Angels for infield prospect Grant Green.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (8-11, 4.86 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Bartolo Colon (14-3, 2.54)

Dickey is winless in his last four starts, losing three straight before escaping with a no-decision against Houston on Friday after yielding five runs in six innings. The 38-year-old knuckleballer has had trouble with the long ball, as he is tied for second in the major leagues with 24 home runs allowed. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner is 1-4 with a 5.65 ERA in 12 career games (eight starts) against Oakland.

Colon is coming off back-to-back victories over the Angels in which he allowed a total of two runs and 11 hits in 15 innings. The 40-year-old Dominican is 11-1 over his last 14 starts and has given up three runs or fewer in each outing. Colon, who also has a Cy Young Award under his belt, owns a 10-5 record and 4.12 ERA in 24 career starts versus Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Blue Jays are 1-1 on their 10-game road trip.

2. Callaspo batted .252 with five home runs and 36 RBIs in 86 games with the Angels.

3. Toronto is 11-5 against the AL West this season.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Blue Jays 2