Oakland Athletics Beat Yu Darvish and Distance Themselves from Rangers


John Jaso Oakland Athletics

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This was too be a pretty important series for both the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers. The Rangers took the first game and made it clear how big of a swing they could make in the division momentum with a sweep of the A’s. With Yu Darvish going against the Athletics in the second game of the series the Rangers had to like their chances. The only problem is that the A’s went out and defeated Darvish and the Rangers in the second game.

That really messes up the plans of the Rangers and puts the A’s a comfy three games up in the division once again. With two more games left in the series there still is a lot to play for in both clubhouses. I think the Athletics have the advantage without a doubt right now. They are the ones that were chasing the Rangers after all and they are the ones that caught the Rangers then passed them. Now with a very important four game series they have a chance to either squander that hard fought lead or cement their spot as division leader.

Considering they have already beaten Darvish I like their chances to at least split the last two games of the series and end up with a three game lead going out just as they had coming in. If they take three of four and end up with a five game lead things really are going to look bad for the Rangers who would suddenly have to deal with the total collapse they have had over the last month that has seen them lose what would then be up to a dozen games to one team. A lot rides on this series and I would not bet against the Athletics if I were betting.

David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.


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