Seattle @ Oakland preview

Seattle at Oakland

Last Meeting ( Sep 9, 2012 ) Oakland 4, Seattle 2

The Oakland Athletics had aspirations of winning the American League West title, but only salvaged a split of their crucial four-game series with front-running Texas. After being pushed four games in back of the Rangers, Oakland will likely shift its attention toward preserving its slim lead in the race for the second wild card. On Friday, the host Athletics will open a three-game set versus the division-rival Seattle Mariners.

The Athletics kept its lead in the wild card at two games over Tampa Bay and division rival Los Angeles, which claimed two of three from Seattle. Josh Reddick homered twice and Derek Norris, Yoesnis Cespedes and Brandon Moss also went deep in Oakland's 9-7 setback on Thursday. Mariners right-hander Blake Beavan will bear the responsibility of holding the Athletics in check.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, CSCA

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Blake Beavan (10-10, 4.64 ERA) vs. Athletics RH A.J. Griffin (6-1, 2.80)

Beavan was downright brilliant in his last outing, tossing seven sizzling innings en route to a 1-0 triumph over Texas on Saturday. The 23-year-old evened his career record at 2-2 versus the Athletics after recording a quality start in a 5-3 win on April 15.

After winning six straight, Griffin has struggled in his last two outings. The 24-year-old rookie permitted nine runs on 15 hits - including four homers - to earn a pair of early exits. Griffin pitched well in his lone outing versus Seattle, allowing one run and striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings in a 6-1 triumph on Sept. 7.

WALK-OFFS

1. After completing a 4-6 road trip, Oakland will play its final six regular-season games at home.

2. Seattle's Michael Saunders returned to the team on Thursday, just three days removed after his wife gave birth to daughter Aria.

3. Oakland SS Stephen Drew has collected 14 hits during his seven-game hitting streak. Drew, however, has yet to face Beavan in his career.