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OAK@MIN: Griffin goes six solid to earn first win

These days, it seems the Yankees are winning ballgames in just about every ballpark they play in.

Still, there aren't many stadiums in which the Yankees have been hotter than Oakland's O.co Coliseum.

That's where the Bombers take on the A's in the first game of a four-game set on Thursday. New York has won nine straight in Oakland, dating back to July 5, 2010. It's the Yanks' longest winning streak at the Coliseum since it opened in 1968.

The A's are in the middle of a vital stretch right now, as they fight to stay in the race for the American League's second Wild Card spot. They just finished a series against the division-leading Rangers and now welcome the Yankees, who own baseball's best record.

"You would certainly like to be able to turn the tables and do well against them," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "Other than that, I don't think you're ever looking forward to playing potentially the best team in the league. I don't really think it's here nor there to tell you the truth. It's just on the schedule. We know they're here, we're playing them four games, and we have to play well to beat them."

Heading into Wednesday night's games, the A's were tied for the final Wild Card spot -- a result of their 25-14 record since June 2. Only the Yankees have a better mark during that time.

New York sends righty Freddy Garcia (4-2, 5.25 ERA) to the mound. Though he struggled early this season, Garcia has posted a 3.17 ERA in three starts since his return to the rotation.

The A's counter with right-hander A.J. Griffin, who earned his first career win in his last outing after recording no-decisions in his first three starts.

"I think throwing strikes and throwing the ball where he wants to, that's always his strength," Melvin said.

Yankees: Cano riding hitting streak
Robinson Cano extended his career-high hitting streak to 21 games with a first-inning double against the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Cano's streak marks the Yankees' first 21-gamer since Alex Rodriguez hit safely in 23 consecutive games in 2007. Cano is hitting .402 during the streak with six homers and 20 RBIs.

"A 20-game hit streak means that he's being productive," manager Joe Girardi said before Wednesday's game. "As far as how far it goes, I really haven't thought too much about that. I think all of us expect Robby to have good at-bats every day, and when he does that, he's going to get his base hits. Him hitting in 20 straight games doesn't really surprise me."

A's: Crisp makes return
• Center fielder Coco Crisp was in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Rangers after he missed three games with soreness in his left shoulder.

Crisp went 1-for-3 with a pair of stolen bases.

"Coco took a few days, where I thought we might've caught a break there," Melvin said. "Originally, I thought it might be a little bit longer, but he swung well [Tuesday] both sides of the plate, was aggressive with his swings. After the game, he felt like he was ready to go."

Worth noting
• The A's haven't won a season series against the Yankees since 2007, and they currently trail this year's meetings, three games to none.

• In 58 career at-bats against Garcia, A's third baseman Brandon Inge is hitting just .190 with 18 strikeouts.

• The Yankees have hit a Major League-high six grand slams in 2012. They also led the Majors in grand slams in each of the last two seasons.

• The A's are 13-17 in games started by a left-hander but have posted a 33-27 mark against righties.

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