Yankees Look to Continue Hot Start Against Struggling A’s

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The New York Yankees, owners of the American League’s best record, will host the reeling Athletics on Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium to conclude a three-game series.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. EDT under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 46 degrees.

The Yankees (8-2) have won eight of their first 10 and took the series opener 5-3 on Tuesday. (3-7) has dropped seven of its last nine, including a 2-2 split in the first two games of this set. A simulated projection by Interstat forecasts a 7-3 Yankees victory.

New York will look to third baseman Amed Rosario, who powered Tuesday’s win by going 2 for 4 with two home runs and four RBIs. Over his last four games, Rosario has driven in five runs.

Oakland will hope for another strong outing from right-hander Aaron Civale, though he was tagged with the loss Tuesday despite a quality start. Civale allowed just one earned run on two hits over five innings, striking out six. In his previous start, a win at Atlanta on March 31, he went five innings and allowed two earned runs.

The pitching matchup features left-handers with diverging early-season results. The Yankees are expected to start Jeffrey Springs (1-0), while the Athletics counter with Ryan Weathers (0-0). Weathers will face a Yankees lineup that has averaged 5.4 runs per game.

Oakland’s bullpen, which faltered late Tuesday, will be tested against a deep New York order. The Yankees’ relievers, including closer David Bednar, have been a strength, posting a 2.45 ERA over the last week.

After the game, the Yankees embark on a road trip to Tampa Bay, while the Athletics head to Queens for a series against the Mets.

Betting lines list the Yankees as a -1.5 run favorite with an over/under of 8.5 runs.