Yankees vs. Athletics Live Stream Watch Online Free Sept. 21, 7:05 PM ET

A three game set will be kicking off on Friday night between the New York Yankees and the Oakland Athletics.  The highly-anticipated baseball series which will take place at Yankee Stadium is equally important for both clubs, considering the upcoming October playoffs.

Yankees pitching ace C.C. Sabathia will take the hill against Jerrod Parker of the Athletics.  Although he's struggled as of late, Sabathia has been stellar overall posting a 13-6 record and a 3.63 ERA, while Parker hasn't been too shabby himself sporting an 11-8 record with a 3.51 ERA.

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New York will look to either maintain or add to their miniscule one game lead atop the American League East division.  However, Sabathia must regain his usual form, as he hasn't won his last four decisions dating back to late August.

Oakland currently is in contention themselves.  They hold one of the American League wild-card spots along with the underdog Baltimore Orioles.  Parker has been victorious in his last two starts only giving up three earned runs in 14 innings pitched.

In their first two games of their last series with the Detroit Tigers, Oakland had been dominated 18-4 before pulling out a 12-4 victory in the third game on Thursday.  The key win put the club in a tie with the Orioles for the top wild-card spot in the AL.

Oakland's manager Bob Melvin had spoken to the Athletics' official website about the importance of winning those big games.

"We've been able to come up big when we needed to, and (Thursday) was right along those lines."

Although Oakland appears to be in solid position to maintain a playoff spot, Melvin is not assuming anything.

"I'm not even thinking about a cushion.  All we're doing is trying to play for today."

CLICK HERE to watch the New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:05 PM ET via free live stream.