The New York Yankees look to extend a pair of streaks and complete a sweep Sunday when they take on the Oakland Athletics in the finale of their three-game series. New York, which has won a season high-tying four straight games overall, has captured each of its last eight contests in Oakland.
Several Yankees have gotten hot at the plate, including Mark Teixeira, who has registered three home runs and eight RBIs in his last three games. Teixeira fell a triple shy of the cycle in Saturday's victory, recording his 22nd career four-hit performance. Meanwhile, Robinson Cano has gone deep in three of his last four contests.
The Athletics have lost a season-high four consecutive games and eight of their last 11. The club also has dropped five of six at home. Oakland's offense continues to sputter as it has scored three runs or less in five straight games and 10 of 14.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), CS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda (3-6, 4.56 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Tommy Milone (6-3, 3.75)
Kuroda suffered his third loss in four starts Monday when he allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings against Kansas City. The 37-year-old has yielded three runs or less in three of his last four losses. Kuroda, who is 0-4 with a 6.23 ERA on the road, lost his only career start against Oakland in 2009 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While Kuroda has struggled on the road, Milone has been sensational at home. The 25-year-old is 4-0 with a 0.60 ERA in four starts at the O.co Coliseum, including a victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday in which he surrendered one run over seven innings. Milone will be facing the Yankees for the first time in his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees SS Derek Jeter recorded two hits Saturday to raise his career total to 3,154. The captain is tied with George Brett for 15th on the all-time list and trails Cal Ripken Jr., who is 14th, by 30.
2. Oakland had four players in Saturday's starting lineup that began the day hitting below .200.
3. Milone has recorded 32 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings while issuing only 14 walks.