Seattle @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 23, 2013 ) Oakland 3, Seattle 6

Jarrod Parker attempts to extend a 14-start unbeaten streak and perhaps receive some offensive support when the Oakland Athletics open a three-game series against the visiting Seattle Mariners on Monday. The Athletics have scored four runs or fewer in 10 of the 14 outings, a stretch in which the 22-year-old Parker has limited opposing hitters to a .199 average. Seattle won two of three from Texas, including a 4-3 decision on Sunday.

Kyle Seager delivered the tiebreaking double in the ninth inning on Sunday and had two homers and five RBIs in the series against the Rangers, but is batting .222 with no homers in 13 games versus Oakland this season. Seattle’s victory helped the Athletics move within a half-game of Texas in the American League West. Oakland also has a three-game lead over the Baltimore for the second wild-card spot.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Aaron Harang (5-10, 5.77 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jarrod Parker (8-6, 3.87)

Harang is the midst of a four-start winless streak and has allowed seven runs in three of his last six outings. He took a no-decision in his last turn when he gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. Harang received a no-decision against Oakland earlier this season and is 0-1 with a 6.23 ERA in two career starts against the club for which he pitched in 2002-03.

Parker has won six consecutive decisions and his last loss came against the Texas Rangers on May 22. He received a no-decision against the Houston Astros in his last turn despite giving up one run in 8 1/3 innings. Parker is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA in three starts against Seattle this season and his career mark is 2-2 with a 5.10 ERA in five outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners manager Eric Wedge is hoping to be cleared to resume his duties on Friday. He has been away since suffering a stroke on July 22 and bench coach Robby Thompson has been running the club.

2. Oakland 3B Josh Donaldson, who has recorded two hits in six of his last 11 contests, and has 42 multi-hit games this season.

3. Seattle OF Raul Ibanez is 4-for-11 with two homers against Parker.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Mariners 5