Athletics' JP Sears: Keeps Yankees off board

Sears did not factor into the decision, allowing three hits and one walk over six scoreless innings during Monday's 2-0 win over the Yankees. He struck out seven.

Sears was involved in a pitcher's duel with the Yankees' Carlos Rodon. Neither blinked, leaving each with a tough-luck no-decision. Despite throwing a first-pitch strike to only 11 of 21 batters, Sears limited the Yankees to four baserunners while striking out more than a batter per inning for the first time this season. After allowing nine runs over 9.1 innings through two starts, Sears has allowed just one run and six hits over his last three starts spanning 17.1 innings. Things won't get easier in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for this weekend in Baltimore.