Oakland @ Minnesota preview

Oakland at Minnesota

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2013 ) Oakland 3, Minnesota 4

The Oakland Athletics failed to extend their advantage in the American League West after squandering a late lead in the series opener against the Minnesota Twins. The Athletics look to rebound Wednesday when they play the second contest of a three-game set. Alberto Callaspo belted a two-run homer, but former Oakland slugger Josh Willingham went deep twice - including the go-ahead two-run shot in the eighth - as Minnesota scratched for a 4-3 triumph Tuesday.

Oakland maintained its two-game lead over Texas in the division after the Rangers dropped an interleague contest to Pittsburgh. Minnesota isn't involved in the postseason race, but Trevor Plouffe has been heating up as the regular season entered its final month. Plouffe was batting .400 with two homers and four doubles over a 13-game stretch prior to going 0-for-4 in the series opener.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSCA (Oakland), FSNO (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Sonny Gray (2-3, 2.51 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (5-11, 4.97)

Gray struck out at least seven batters for the third time in four outings, but fell to 1-2 after yielding three runs over a career-high-tying eight innings in a setback to Houston on Thursday. The 24-year-old rookie has allowed just two earned runs in his last 14 2/3 innings. Gray, however, has yet to taste victory away from home, going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA.

After yielding one run in his previous two outings, Pelfrey was blitzed for six on as many hits in six innings en route to a 6-5 loss to Toronto on Friday. The setback dropped the 29-year-old to 2-5 at home with a 5.50 ERA and a .315 batting average allowed. Pelfrey has allowed just 12 homers, but permitted 161 hits in 139 1/3 innings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland OF Yoenis Cespedes, who had an RBI single Tuesday, has eight hits, four RBIs and four runs scored in his last five games.

2. Willingham has collected seven homers in 10 games against the Athletics since the start of the 2012 season.

3. Oakland 3B Josh Donaldson scored a run in his return to the starting lineup after missing one game with soreness in his right quad. He has 11 hits, five RBIs and five runs scored in his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Twins 3