Ascending A's look to pick up steam in opener vs. Marlins

One team playing its best baseball of the season meets another that hopes it is trending in that direction when the Oakland Athletics host the Miami Marlins in the opener of a three-game interleague series Friday night. The A's have won four in a row — their longest winning streak since last June — after taking three straight from the Pittsburgh Pirates to open a 10-game homestand. Oakland's upturn has been fueled by two unusual sources — backup infielders and relief pitchers. Tyler Nevin, subbing for injured J.D. Davis, went 6-for-10 with two home runs, four RBIs and three runs in the Pittsburgh series.