Red Sox Series Preview: @ Oakland Athletics

May 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Athletics second baseman

(15) singles in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins beat the Oakland Athletics 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

There ain’t no thing like a west coast swing! Say hello to the Oakland Athletics.

The Boston Red Sox (14 wins, 17 losses) continue their road trip to California and start their series with the Athletics (12 wins, 21 losses), tonight. The Red Sox have gone 3-7 in their last 10 games, including almost being swept by the Toronto Blue Jays, a division rival in the American League East. This would normally be the perfect time to get a change of scenery and play a team that they haven’t seen, especially one that is in last place in their division, like the Athletics. Oakland has also gone 3-7 in their last 10 games, including a current 5-game losing streak.

Will this series be an opportunity for the Red Sox to pick up some wins and gain ground in the AL East? Let’s look at the tale of the tape:

* All statistical information came from MLB.com, except bullpen ERA that came from ESPN.com