The Texas Rangers dropped their magic number to two as they battered the Oakland Athletics 10-3. The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead after four innings but it appeared as though the A's would be able to keep things within striking distance. Through six innings Bobby Cramer had given up those two runs and the A's looked ready to pounce.
In the bottom of the sixth inning the A's got Kurt Suzuki and Mark Ellis on first and third with one out. After Jack Cust struck out, Matt Carson hit a pinch-hit single to cut the lead to 2-1. The next batter, Chris Carter, worked a full count but swung and missed on a fastball to end the inning.
In the seventh inning everything fell apart for the A's. Jeff Francoeur led off the inning with a home run. After a Jorge Cantu double and Bengie Molina sacrifice, Julio Borbon managed a bunt single to score Cantu. The Rangers loaded the bases with a walk and an infield single, which Vladimir Guerrero subsequently unloaded with a bases clearing double.
The A's had one last chance to get back into the game as they loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh. However, Kurt Suzuki fouled out to third and Jack Cust grounded out to first to end the inning.
The Rangers magic number now sits at 2. A win over the A's tomorrow or Sunday would clinch the Rangers at least a tie for the AL West crown. Wins in both games would give the Rangers the division.