Oakland @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 24, 2012 ) Oakland 7, Toronto 2

Ricky Romero has never lost to the Oakland Athletics, but the Toronto Blue Jays left-hander is also in the midst of a career-worst five-game losing skid. Romero is 4-0 against the Athletics and attempts to cool down an Oakland squad that has won a season-high six straight games and 15 of its last 17 entering Wednesday’s contest. The visiting Athletics are eight games over .500 for the first time since July 12, 2008.

Toronto scored 28 runs in a three-game sweep of Boston over the weekend but solo homers by Travis Snider and J.P. Arencibia accounted for the offense in Tuesday’s 7-2 loss. The Blue Jays are in fourth place in the American League East, a half-game ahead of the last-place Red Sox. The Athletics have stamped themselves as a valid wild-card contender due to their hot play over the past three-plus weeks. Oakland second baseman Jemile Weeks had two hits Tuesday – including an RBI triple – after being dropped to ninth in the order due to a 2-for-22 slump.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet California (Oakland), Rogers Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (2-0, 2.70 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ricky Romero (8-6, 5.22)

Griffin has won back-to-back starts and defeated the New York Yankees in his last outing when he gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings. He has pitched six innings in all five starts since reaching the majors. Opposing batters are hitting just .216 against Griffin, who has issued just six walks in 30 innings.

Romero gave up six runs and 12 hits in six innings while losing to the New York Yankees in his last start. He has allowed six or more runs three times during his losing streak. Romero took a no-decision against Oakland on May 8 when he allowed two runs and five hits in six innings on May 8. He has a 1.70 ERA in six career starts against the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arencibia has clubbed five homers over his last 13 games and has 16 on the season. He hit 23 last year.

2. Athletics OF Coco Crisp has fanned four times in nine hitless at-bats against Romero.

3. Blue Jays 3B Brett Lawrie had three hits Tuesday and is 6-for-12 over the last three games.