The Oakland Athletics look to continue their torrid pace against National League teams Wednesday when they go for a sweep of their two-game series versus the Cincinnati Reds. Josh Donaldson paved the way for Oakland's 15th victory in 20 games versus the senior circuit by belting a two-run homer in a 7-3 triumph on Tuesday. The contest was the first of an eight-game homestand for the Athletics.
Oakland, which has won just four of its last 11 contests, will turn to right-hander A.J. Griffin on Wednesday. Griffin would be wise to keep an eye on Derrick Robinson, who recorded a career-high four hits in the opener. Cincinnati will be without star second baseman Brandon Phillips, who was placed on the paternity list and will rejoin the club Friday against Texas.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, FSOH (Cincinnati), CSCA (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (4-5, 3.75 ERA) vs. Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (5-6, 3.90)
Bailey deserved a better fate than a no-decision following his two-run, eight-strikeout performance in six innings against Pittsburgh on Thursday. The 27-year-old dazzled in his lone career effort versus Oakland, allowing one run on two hits in seven innings to pick up the win. Bailey has struggled away from home, posting a 2-4 mark with a 4.20 ERA.
Griffin is looking to notch his first win since May 25. The 25-year-old owns an 0-3 mark with a 4.02 ERA during his last five starts. Griffin, who has never faced the Reds in his young career, permitted two runs on three hits in 5 1/3 innings to take a no-decision against Texas on Thursday.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland OF Seth Smith, who had an RBI single Tuesday, is 6-for-11 with three homers and five RBIs versus Bailey.
2. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto, who homered in the series opener, has 15 hits in his last 10 games.
3. Athletics RF Josh Reddick is riding a five-game hitting streak and has driven in a run in three straight contests.