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Indians-Athletics Preview

Sep 20, 2009 - 1:32 AM By JUSTIN EINHORN STATS Senior Editor

Cleveland (61-86) at Oakland (69-78), 4:05 p.m. EDT

Considered by some a playoff contender going into opening day, the Cleveland Indians may be headed for their worst season in 18 years.

That's also how long it's been since the Indians last lost 11 consecutive road games, a dubious feat they will try to avoid Sunday in the finale of a four-game set with the Oakland Athletics.

While Oakland (70-78) looks to match a season high with its seventh consecutive victory, Cleveland (61-87) is riding a season-high seven-game losing streak.

Coming off a 44-28 finish to 2008 that led to some high expectations this year, the Indians are on pace for their most losses since setting a franchise record with 105 in 1991. From June 21-July 12 of that season, Cleveland lost 12 straight on the road to match a club record.

The Indians will post their worst road losing streak since that one with a defeat Sunday.

They recorded a 10-game skid on the road for a second consecutive season with an 8-4 loss Saturday.

Cleveland has been limited to 17 runs in the last seven games overall while hitting .122 with runners in scoring position, including 1 for 12 on Saturday.

"They're battling and still making some mistakes, but that's part of a young team," manager Eric Wedge said. "You take the good and learn from the bad, and you try to press forward."

Jhonny Peralta is hitless in his last 16 at-bats, Travis Hafner is 2 for 24 in his last six games and Asdrubal Cabrera is in a 2-for-18 slump.

The A's have some hot hitters - Cliff Pennington is batting .426 during their current 11-2 stretch - but the bullpen has keyed their surge. Oakland's relievers have given up two runs in 19 1-3 innings over the last five games, walking four and striking out 22.

"Our bullpen has just been incredible," A's second baseman Mark Ellis said. "They've been our most consistent asset this year, without a doubt."

Dana Eveland (1-3, 7.26 ERA) is leaving the Oakland bullpen to make his first start since July 7. Eveland was part of the A's rotation to open the season but went 1-2 with a 7.40 ERA before being sent to the minors May 5.

He's made three appearances since his latest call-up, allowing one run and five hits in four innings without a decision.

Eveland won his lone lifetime start against the Indians, giving up one run in seven innings in a 6-1 win April 5, 2008.

Cleveland counters with the struggling Fausto Carmona (3-11, 6.58).

He's 0-3 with a 10.06 ERA in his last four starts after posting a 2.79 ERA in five outings following his recall from the minors. The right-hander has given up 10 runs and 15 hits in six innings over his last two games.

"I'm never going to feel frustrated," Carmona said through an interpreter. "I know I'm a winner. Things are not working out good right now, but I'm never going to put my head down."

Carmona is 2-2 with a 6.04 ERA against the A's but has not faced them this season.