Mariners at Athletics
The Seattle Mariners attempt to extend their winning streak to six games when they visit the American League West-rival Oakland Athletics on Thursday afternoon for the finale of their three-game series. After capturing the final three contests of its four-game home set versus Detroit, Seattle has posted a pair of one-run victories in Oakland.
Guillermo Heredia went 2-for-4 and scored the lone run while Marco Gonzales combined with two relievers on a three-hitter in Wednesday's 1-0 triumph as the Mariners improved to 6-2 against the Athletics this season. Slugger Nelson Cruz returned to the lineup after missing four of the previous six games with elbow and foot injuries and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Oakland registered three singles Wednesday, which dropped it to 0-2 on its 10-game homestand. Jed Lowrie recorded two of the three hits by the Athletics, who have lost five in a row at Oakland Coliseum.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (5-3, 5.53 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Josh Lucas (0-0, 1.35)
Hernandez has had a rough time of late, surrendering 14 runs and 21 hits over 16 2/3 innings in his last three starts, but he has posted a 1-1 record in that span. The 32-year-old Venezuelan has won three straight decisions away from home to raise his road mark this season to 3-1 but has posted a 7.27 ERA over five turns in opposing ballparks. Hernandez is 26-10 with three complete games and a 2.64 ERA in 48 career starts against Oakland, including a 1-1 mark and 3.65 ERA in two outings this year.
Lucas will be recalled from Triple-A Nashville to make his third appearance this season and the first start of his major-league career. The 27-year-old Floridian worked 3 2/3 innings out of the bullpen at Toronto on Friday, allowing one run and two hits while walking one and striking out seven. Lucas, who has posted two saves and a 2.53 ERA in nine relief appearances for the Sounds this year, will be facing Seattle for the first time.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics have scored fewer than three runs in seven consecutive home games, going 2-5 in those contests.
2. Oakland placed OF Khris Davis (groin) on the 10-day disabled list and designated RHP Wilmer Font for assignment while recalling 2B Franklin Barreto and RHP Daniel Gossett from Nashville on Wednesday.
3. Seattle purchased the contract of OF John Andreoli, who went 1-for-3 in his major-league debut Wednesday, from Triple-A Tacoma and optioned RHP Dan Altavilla to the Rainiers.