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A's seek 16th straight victory against Mariners

Sep 25, 2006 - 3:05 PM Oakland (90-65) at Seattle (75-81)10:05 pm EDT

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The Oakland Athletics were unable to clinch an American League West Division at home over the weekend. The A's continue pursuit of that goal Monday, when they begin a seven-game road trip against a team they have dominated this season.

With a magic number of two for a fourth division title this decade, Oakland seeks a 16th consecutive triumph against the Seattle Mariners in the opener of a three-game series at Safeco Field.

The A's concluded its regular-season home slate by dropping back-to-back games to Anaheim, which climbed within six games of the divisional lead with seven to play. Frank Thomas did not record a hit in 16 at-bats during the three-game series for Oakland, which has not lost three straight games since July 23-25.

A victory by the A's here coupled with a defeat by the Angels against the Texas Rangers on Monday would decide the division.

Oakland gives the ball to Esteban Loaiza (11-8, 4.70 ERA), who made his debut with the team by allowing five runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 6-2 loss here on April 6. The A's since have won 15 straight meetings with the Mariners.

In 10 starts since the beginning of August, Loaiza has gone 7-1 with a 2.55 ERA. The 34-year-old righthander allowed three runs - two earned - and five hits in 7 2/3 innings of a 4-3 win against Cleveland in his most recent outing Wednesday.

Seattle counters with rookie Cesar Jimenez (0-0, 18.90), who will make his first major league start. In three relief appearances, the 21-year-old lefthander has surrendered seven runs and five hits - including three homers - in 3 1/3 innings.