Oakland Athletics Defeat Texas Rangers Are Now Tied For First Place In AL West

By Steven Resnick
Travis Blackley Oakland Athletics
Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

Tonight Oakland Athletics rookie starting pitcher Travis Blackley pitched his best game of the season against the Texas Rangers. He went six innings, giving up three hits, one run and struck out five while walking two. His only blemish of the night came in the third inning with two outs.

It started with a one out walk to Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus got a reprieve in his at-bat when Josh Reddick dropped a fly ball in foul territory though Kinsler would have tagged and got to second. After getting ahead of Josh Hamilton, Blackley hung a curve ball resulting in a run scoring double into right field. The throw from Reddick did go over Adam Rosales‘ head yet Stephen Drew who backed up the play missed a chance to get the out at the plate because he was unable to catch the ball cleanly.

The A’s defense at the beginning of the game was shaky and resulted in two early errors. As the game went on the defense settled down and turned three double plays negating any chance of a rally for the Rangers.

Offensively it took until the fifth inning to get to Matt HarrisonJosh Donaldson started the inning off looking for an off-speed pitch and singled, Brandon Moss doubled putting runners on second and third and Derek Norris ripped a single into right field and an error by allowed the second run to score.

Harrison settled down and did not allow any more runs in that inning. Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run with two outs in the sixth.

With the win it is only fitting that the two teams are battling and that tomorrow will decide which team will win the American League West title.

 

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