(AP) -- The Baltimore Orioles thoroughly outplayed the Oakland Athletics while taking three of four on the road four months ago. Another dominant performance against Oakland could catapult them into the driver's seat for a wild-card spot.

Baltimore welcomes the Athletics, who expect to have the newly acquired Kurt Suzuki for the opener of a three-game set Friday night.

The Orioles (71-55) are three games behind the A's (71-55) for the second wild-card spot, but neither has played particularly well lately. Baltimore has lost six of nine while its bullpen continues to struggle, while the A's seek better situational hitting after dropping five of nine.