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A's target fifth straight win in opener vs. KC

Sep 5, 2011 - 2:52 PM (Sports Network) - The Oakland Athletics take aim at their fifth straight win this afternoon when they open a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals at the Coliseum.

Oakland continued to roll on Sunday, as Ryan Sweeney and David DeJesus each drove in two runs to back five solid innings from Trevor Cahill to help the A's beat the Seattle Mariners, 8-5, and sweep the three-game series.

Cahill (10-13) gave up one run on five hits to pick up his first win since July 27. He struck out four and walked two for Oakland, which has won four in a row.

The right-hander, who was 0-4 over his previous six starts, has recorded double-digit victories for all three years of his major league career.

Hoping for a similar effort today the A's will rely on righty Rick Harden, who is 4-2 with a 4.55 ERA. Harden did not get a decision on Wednesday in Cleveland, as he allowed three runs and six hits in six innings of a 4-3 loss.

Harden is 2-0 in six starts versus the Royals with a 2.78 ERA.

Kansas City, meanwhile, will counter with righty Felipe Paulino, who is 2-10 with a 4.30 ERA. Paulino absorbed the loss his last time out on August 26 in Cleveland, but pitched well, surrendering two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

He has never faced the A's.

Kansas City lost two of three over the weekend to the Indians, falling in Sunday's rubber match, 9-6, at Kauffman Stadium. Johnny Giavotella and Eric Hosmer each knocked in two runs for the Royals, who have lost four of six.

Jeff Francis (5-15) allowed four runs on nine hits over five innings to take the loss. He walked three batters.

Oakland is 4-2 versus the Royals this season.