The New York Yankees kick off their nine-game road trip Friday when they take on the Oakland Athletics in the opener of their three-game series. New York, which enters with a three-game road losing streak, has won two straight contests overall after losing six of seven. The Yankees took six of nine from the Athletics last season.
Oakland's offense continues to sputter as it produced a total of three runs in its three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. The club is hitting a major league-worst .210 and has been shut out seven times thus far this year. Since scoring a season-high 11 runs against Detroit on May 11, the Athletics have managed three runs or less in eight of 12 contests.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Ivan Nova (4-2, 5.69 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Tyson Ross (2-4, 5.73 ERA)
Nova has struggled since winning his first three starts of the season, allowing five or more runs in four of his next five outings. He was tagged for five runs over six innings in a loss to Cincinnati on Saturday despite recording a career-high 12 strikeouts. Nova, who is 2-0 in three road starts, will be facing the Athletics for the first time in his career.
Ross is just 1-2 over his last three starts despite allowing three runs or less each time. The 25-year-old is coming off a loss at San Francisco on Saturday in which he yielded two runs and seven hits over six innings. Ross, who will be making just his third start at home this season, has surrendered one run over 3 2/3 frames in two career relief appearances against the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland 3B Brandon Inge, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained groin, hopes to be activated for Monday's game against Minnesota.
2. New York SS Derek Jeter recorded his 3,152nd career hit Wednesday against Kansas City, tying him with Paul Waner for 15th on the all-time list.
3. The Athletics began Thursday tied for the AL lead with 10 outfield assists.