Boston @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( May 12, 2015 ) Boston 2, Oakland 9

Sonny Gray looks to remain unbeaten when the Oakland Athletics close a three-game series against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon. Gray has been superb for an Oakland squad that possesses the second-worst record in the American League even after posting a 9-2 victory Tuesday.

The Athletics whittled away from some frustration by ending a six-game losing skid and winning the middle contest of the three-game set. Oakland stands nine games below .500 and is just 5-10 at home. Boston has lost eight of its last 11 games and has allowed seven or more runs in three of its last five games. Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz struck out three times in four at-bats and hasn’t homered in his last 14 games.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, New England Sports Network (Boston), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Wade Miley (1-4, 6.91 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (4-0, 1.65)

Miley has lost three consecutive starts since posting his lone win April 21. He struck out a season-high eight against Toronto in his last turn when he gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings. Miley, who has never faced the Athletics, is 1-2 with a 5.59 ERA in four road starts this season.

Gray struck out nine in six innings in his last start when he gave up one run and six hits in a no-decision against Seattle. He has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his seven starts and is holding opponents to a collective .194 average. Gray received a no-decision in his lone career start against Boston last season when he gave up two runs and six hits in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics LF Coco Crisp is hitless in 25 at-bats this season and in his past 38 regular-season at-bats dating to last season.

2. Boston CF Mookie Betts went 0-for-4 on Tuesday to end a nine-game hitting streak.

3. Oakland RF Josh Reddick had four hits with a homer and three RBIs on Tuesday and is 6-for-9 in the series.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Red Sox 2