(Sports Network) - The New York Yankees have catapulted their way to the top of the American League East Division and look to stay there when they shoot for a three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics today at the Coliseum.
The Yankees are hoping streaky right-hander A.J. Burnett can pull another solid outing from his sleeve when he takes the mound today. Burnett is 1-0 in his last two starts since going 0-2 in three trips to the hill, and last pitched in Friday's 4-3 loss at Seattle. He allowed two runs in five innings with six K's and a season high-tying five walks for a no-decision.
Burnett, who went 1-2 with a 4.06 ERA in May, is 5-3 with a 3.99 ERA in 11 starts this season. He is still searching for his first road win of the season as evidenced by his 0-2 mark in four games outside of the Bronx. He has faced the A's nine times -- all starts -- in his career and is 4-3 with a 3.88 ERA.
Oakland will try to salvage the finale of this set after winning four in a row before the Yankees invaded the Coliseum.