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Mariners-Athletics Preview

May 18, 2010 - 6:07 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Seattle (14-24) at Oakland (19-20), 10:05 p.m. EDT

After being let go at the end of spring training, Jack Cust is now giving the Oakland Athletics a much-needed boost.

Cust and the A's look to build some momentum following a breakthrough game at the plate as they conclude a two-game set with the visiting Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Poor offensive production was Oakland's biggest problem during a five-game losing streak, as it scored five runs and was shut out twice.

Oakland (19-20) ended its slump in the opener of a seven-game homestand, matching a season high with 15 hits and scoring its most runs in 19 games in an 8-4 win over Seattle (14-24) on Monday night.

"It's good for their confidence," said manager Bob Geren, whose team has won eight of 11 at home.

The A's have been trying to get by without second baseman Mark Ellis (hamstring) and center fielder Coco Crisp (finger). Oakland promoted Cust from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, and he has started in left field in every game since then, providing some vigor at the plate.

Cust went 2 for 4 and scored twice Monday, making him 4 for 10 since being recalled. Cust hit 84 homers and drove in 229 runs over his first three seasons with Oakland, but he was also one of majors' easiest hitters to strike out.

Cust struck out 197 times in 2008 and 185 times last year. He was re-signed by Oakland in January but designated for assignment April 4 and outrighted to Sacramento three days later.

Cust has struck out three times since being called up, but the A's desperately need some power in the lineup as they sit 12th in the AL with 25 homers.

Ben Sheets (2-3, 5.70 ERA), set to take the mound for Oakland, certainly could have used a little more run support in his last outing. He allowed one run and three hits while striking out eight in six innings of a 2-1, 12-inning loss to Texas on Thursday.

The right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.31 ERA at home, where he made his first career start against the Mariners on April 5. He didn't receive a decision after surrendering three runs in five innings of a 5-3 loss.

Seattle will counter with ace Felix Hernandez (2-3, 3.88). The right-hander is coming off a strong outing, giving up one run and striking out seven in seven innings, but the Mariners allowed Baltimore to score five times in the eighth en route to a 6-5 loss on Thursday.

Hernandez posted an 8.59 ERA in losing his previous three outings. He is 8-4 with a 2.96 ERA in 15 starts against Oakland.

Seattle, which has lost three straight and five of six, is trying to rebound from a poor pitching performance. The Mariners surrendered three runs or fewer in five of their previous seven games.

Seattle, though, also needs to find a way to give Hernandez some support. The Mariners are last in the AL with 125 runs and 21 homers.

Getting designated hitter Mike Sweeney back could help.

Sweeney homered in three straight games before sitting out the last two due to a sore back. His status for Tuesday is uncertain.

"He feels it in batting practice, it locks up on him," manager Don Wakamatsu told the Mariners' official website. "We'll do the best we can managing that."