Boston at Oakland

The stumbling Red Sox have to stumble 3,000 miles from home for this trip. Boston pitching has been terrible the last three weeks, and the offense has slumped to 16th in runs scored dealing with a variety of problems. The Red Sox are 0-8 against the AL West and 8-20 following a win. Righty Rick Porcello has been bad on the road with a 5.25 ERA and faces an Oakland offense that is fourth in baseball in runs scored. Oakland is home after a long trip, and the Athletics are 20-6 at home following a road trip of seven or more days. Athletics lefty Scott Kazmir (2-1, 2.75) is throwing well, and the team is 24-10 when Kazmir is a favorite, plus 5-0 when he faces the AL East. Oakland is also 13-3 against the American League East, and the Red Sox are 6-21 in Oakland. Play Oakland.