Oakland right-hander Paul Blackburn (0-1, 5.06 ERA) gave up three runs on five hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings at Chicago White Sox last week in his season debut. I think he'll do better here against a Seattle team that has lost four of its last six as road dogs.

Seattle left-hander Marco Gonzales (5-5, 4.10 ERA) has pitched well lately, but the lowly 43-80 Rangers were the opponent in three of his last five starts.

The pitching matchup is quite even, but I hold the A's as the better team and they have won five of their last six as home favorites.

10* play on Oakland Athletics.